Two years ago this week, the Dear Dr. Mooney community was launched. Now that’s worth celebrating!
But here’s another: Dr. Mooney published her 100th article last week as well.
No other achievements could better highlight what Dear Dr. Mooney is really all about. Just in case you could use a reminder, here is a summary…
- Answering teachers’ questions about English learners by offering advice and suggestions,
- Sharing resource recommendations,
- And presenting opportunities for registered members to engage with other teachers of English Learners in our Discussion Forums.
Join us in celebrating these two milestones!
For most school districts, the bulk of standardized testing season has passed. Except for a few Advanced Placement tests in high schools, students and teachers are now facing a less stressful stretch until the end of the school year. Less stressful, except for the stress teachers feel in finding ways to keep restless students meaningfully engaged when they would rather be enjoying the sunshine outside!
One way you can engage your students in learning during this time of year is with project-based learning.
Project-Based Learning is a framework for teaching where students gain content and skills while engaged in meaningful inquiry to answer compelling questions. Students consider real-world questions of interest and then work in collaborative groups with guidance from the teacher. Together, they think critically to discover or develop answers.
Project-based learning lessons are based upon standards and involve rigorous expectations and assessment. However, most students won’t be focused on that. They will be thinking about how fun school (and learning) has become!
Offering students the opportunity to find answers to their questions in a meaningful way makes learning compelling. They just can’t help but learn content, skills, and academic language.
Take a look at these sources that define project-based learning in more depth. They provide inspiration for how you could use it in your classes—this month. Think about what would be appropriate for your students and give it a try.
Defining Project-Based Learning
https://www.magnifylearningin.org/what-is-project-based-learning
How to Create a Project-Based Learning Lesson
https://www.cultofpedagogy.com/project-based-learning-lesson/
Various Applications of Project-Based Learning in the Classroom
https://www.edutopia.org/project-based-learning
Note: By providing these sources, Dear Dr. Mooney does not endorse any of the services or products promoted within.
Let us know in the comments what project your students will tackle!
