www.BIE.org What is PBL?


In Project Based Learning (PBL), students go through an ex- tended process of inquiry in response to a complex ques- tion, problem, or challenge. While allowing for some degree of student "voice and choice," rigorous projects are carefully planned, managed, and assessed to help students learn key academic content, practice 21st Century Skills (such as col- laboration, communication & critical thinking), and create high-quality, authentic products & presentations.


Rigorous and in-depth Project Based Learning:


· is organized around an open-ended Driving Ques- tion or Challenge. · creates a need to know essential content and skills. · requires inquiry to learn and/or create something new. · requires critical thinking, problem solving, collaboration, and various forms of communication. · allows some degree of student voice and choice. · incorporates feedback and revision. · results in a publicly presented product or performance.


www.ROCKET21.com “Con- n e c t


with the pros who do what you’re into” is the tag line for Rocket 21, a new social networking site that al- lows middle school students and teens to connect with world-class experts (“pros”) in the fields where students’ interests and affinities lie.


The site uses high-end graphic design and social networking tools to pique student interest, but the content of the site focuses on interests and ca- reers. Through Rocket 21, students gain the opportunity to learn about 21st century jobs, connect with ex- perts, explore STEM-related opportu- nities, and to take responsibility for exploring their own choices.


Students can read, respond, and dis- cuss blog posts made on the site by pros they choose to connect with. They can also connect with peers


Tell what you think about HOMEWORK. What percentage of homework actually gets completed in your classroom? What strategies


from around the world who have simi- lar interests while maintaining anonym- ity with non-identifying screen names and avatars. Mark Grayson, one of the founders of the site, says that all adults on the site are screened and must use real names and pictures while all stu- dents on the site are also screened, but use screen names and anonymous ava- tars.


So far, the response of kids on the site has been very positive. Kids seem to enjoy interacting with one another, but also learn to get in touch with their interests and affinities while connecting with successful adults in those fields.


Currently the site is still in beta, but students in New York can receive invi- tations to be beta testers. For more information for students, parents, and teachers please navigate to http:// ny.rocket21.com.


Adapted with permission from the Springboard Online! strategic planning training course, ©2001, Leadership Strategies, Inc.—Atlanta, Georgia.


By Tim Clarke


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