Project Based Learning

This week was not a typical one. First of all, because activities have just started “for real” in school. Than demanded a bigger amount of time, added the fact that I was selected to be the English group coordinator. It gave me a great motivating sense of accomplishment, as well as an enormous load of responsibilities. Our group has been in need for a real group attitude for some time, and working with another colleague, I am sure we will be able to change some things – for better.


Besides this, I fell sick. Although we were on holiday, I did not have energy to do anything. That made me feel terrible, since I did not complete the week tasks on time. I just hope this does not interfere in my evaluation (not the grades, but I would not like to be seen as irresponsible).

Again, loads of things to see, read, and learn. I am more in track now, it seems the project starts to become real. The only problem, for me, is because I won’t be able to test my project with the students, because of the schedule of the school, and also because I won’t have classes this term. But I am so motivated in sharing everything I have been reading and planning with my colleagues. I have already thought of some ideas for using Web Quests, I just have to go into QuestGarden or Zunal and put them into practice. The site seems to be very friendly-user, after I have organized my idea into words and ABCD objectives, I suppose it will be easier to put it into an interesting layout. I intend to add videos and pictures too, because it helps motivating students.

I had already read about Web Quests, and PBL, but I have to assume that there is still a lot to research. The amount of information that is available is amazing. But there is one point that is already clear: working with projects, in a constructivism approach, keeping in mind the cooperative and collaborative aspects that projects imply, is one of the real possibilities to motivate our students. But to start this, I know I have to teach students how to work in groups, and develop a way to keep their motivation throughout the project. Well organized tasks and good orientation will help them in this process.

Marcia (during Carnival!)