Project Based Learning in the Special Education Classroom

Project Based Learning in the Special Education Classroom Becky Quackenbush, Ed. S. Amanda Patton, M. S. CCC-SLP

PBL Overview Integrating project-based learning in the special education classroom can transform learning into a more active, student-driven experience, using technology tools for inquiry, collaboration, and connection to the world beyond the classroom. Teachers start with the end goal in mind avoid canned projects to ensure relevance to their students. This session will begin with an overview of PBL. More importantly, we will discuss and provide examples of PBL in the special education classroom and how to integrate the general education curriculum projects into the special education classroom to support student outcomes and goals.

What is PBL? Project Based Learning is a teaching method in which students gain skills and knowledge by working for a period of time to investigate and respond to an authentic, engaging and complex question, problem, or challenge. (BIE. org) In Gold Standard PBL, Essential Project Design Elements include: Key Knowledge, Understanding, and Success Skills - The project is focused on student learning goals, including standards-based content and skills such as critical thinking/problem solving, collaboration, and self-management. Challenging Problem or Question - The project is framed by a meaningful problem to solve or a question to answer, at differentiated levels. Sustained Inquiry - Students ask questions, find resources, and apply information. Authenticity - The project features real-world context, tasks and tools, quality standards, or impact – or speaks to students’ personal concerns, interests, and issues in their lives. Student Voice & Choice - Students make some decisions about the project, including how they work and what they create. Reflection - Students and teachers reflect on learning, the effectiveness of their inquiry and project activities, the quality of student work, obstacles and how to overcome them.

Project Patience Based Brainstorming Learning outcome Start at bottom & work up Project Based Learning

Why PBL? Project Based Learning’s time has come. The experience of thousands of teachers across all grade levels and subject areas, backed by research, confirms that PBL is an effective and enjoyable way to learn - and develop deeper learning competencies required for success in college, career, and life. Educators across the United States and around the world interested in this teaching method for a combination of timeless reasons and recent developments. PBL… makes school more engaging for students. improves learning. engaging and memorable builds success skills for college, career, and life. helps address standards. provides opportunities for students to use technology.

Integration What does PBL look like to you? In this Edutopia video, we get a good overview of how PBL is different from the kind of instruction most of us are used to. Project Based Learning - Edutopia Projects vs Project Based Learning We want our students to participate in PBL but how are we meeting student’s goals on their IEP?

Academic Goals Reading Writing Mathematics

Language & Speech Goals Appropriate use of pragmatic skills are essential elements when implementing PBL. When developing annual goals, project-based learning activities easily align. Language/Speech Goals (intelligibility/conversational exchanges) Following multi-step directions Asking & Answering questions Collaboration/Cooperation Providing feedback Presentation

PBL in the inclusive classroom We know that the presence of differentiated instruction, interdisciplinary content, technology, collaboration, supports, and authentic assessment are key markers of successful inclusion in school communities. We see these elements in the foundations of Project Based Learning, and thus in PBL classrooms and schools. Project Based Learning as a pedagogy is a great vehicle for meaningful inclusion because each of its project design elements and teaching practices are geared toward creating the kind of engaging and dynamic learning environment that are also known to best serve students with a wide range of disabilities. Project Based Learning also helps provide and build peer relationships and real-life skills.

Integrating and Breaking Down the NGSS for PBL Taking time to break down the steps in teaching each standard helps determine how to differentiate instruction and the life skill to target. We get in the habit of jumping right into the subject matter but what are the underlying or basic skills we need to learn before that? NGSS: K-ESS 2 -1. Earth’s System Use and share observations of local weather conditions to describe patterns over time 1. What is an observation? How can we be specific? 2. What tools do we need for an observation? 3. What is a pattern? 4. What is a pattern over time?

3 Tips to getting started Collaborate! Set students up for success by planning with colleagues. Special education teachers bring expertise on their student’s specific needs including IEP goals and instructional strategies to help them learn and grow along with their peers. General education teachers are the content experts, and are invaluable in prioritizing which aspects of the standards are most important to make accessible. Collaborating and planning together makes it fairly easy to anticipate needs and embed considerations for the diverse range of students at the beginning stages of project design and throughout the project. Universal Design for Learning is one of the best ways to create a successful inclusive classroom. Better yet, doing this helps students without disabilities as well!

3 Tips to getting started, cont. Differentiate Instruction! There a number of ways to differentiate in PBL, Offer voice and choice in student products to increase engagement and build on students’ strengths, orthe various ways you can manage project implementation. Scaffolding projects effectively still leaves plenty of room for conventional differentiation strategies like frontloading vocabulary, providing visual supports, or offering texts with varied reading levels. PBL is naturally differentiated! By allowing students to take different paths and explore different interest in a project, this means that at any given time, students in the same class may be working on very different things.

3 Tips to getting started, cont. Embed IEP Goals into Projects! There are obvious opportunities to embed students’ specific academic IEP goals throughout their differentiated project pathway that allow you to address those skills with consistency, in addition to providing students with a sense of their genuine purpose. In a PBL classroom, the emphasis on key success skills provides daily opportunities to work on IEP goals such as augmentative communication, self-management, or social skills in an authentic and natural context! For example, when students work in teams, they constantly have to practice communication, social skills, organization, self-management, self-determination, and self-advocacy. It's a special educator’s delight!

Project Design: Overview from BIE Project Design: Overview and Student Learning Guide http: //www. bie. org/object/document/project_design_overview_and_student_le arning_guide Sample of completed form: http: //www. bie. org/object/document/sample_project_design_overview_and_st udent_learning_guide Gold Standard Checklist: http: //www. bie. org/object/document/pbl_essential_elements_checklist Why Project Based Learning (PBL)? (n. d. ). Retrieved August 15, 2016, from http: //www. bie. org/

Tech Tools Speech Notes: A great dictation app that allows students to correct punctuation and capitalization Speak It-Google Extension: reads any material to you: can change the rate of speech and voice sample Instagrok-web based interactive interface research, critical thinking and writing skills (helps with organization)

Project Based Learning Opportunities Exploravision: www. exploravision. org Med School Car Design Greenhouse Biomes

Farmer’s Market/Greenhouse Responsibilities planning/design research different types of Missouri plants product design planting and maintenance advertisement scheduling money management

Makers Space

Car Design

PBL Resources Google Drive Communication with teachers, students, and teams The Creative Classroom http: //www. thecreativeeducator. com/project-based-learning Exploravision http: //www. exploravision. org/ Buck Institute (PBL Overview and Resources) http: //www. bie. org/

References Five Keys to Rigorous Project Based Learning (n. d. ). Retrieved August 15, 2015, from http: //www. edutopia. org/project-based-learning What is PBL? (n. d. ). Retrieved July 1, 2016, from http: //www. bie. org/about/what_pbl Why Project Based Learning (PBL)? (n. d. ). Retrieved August 15, 2016, from http: //www. bie. org/