BCSSA Spring Forum 2014
With personalized learning as the ‘new direction’ of BC education, Ron Berger’s presentation on Expeditionary Learning at the BCSSA Spring Forum was inspirational and enlightening. The Spring Forum was an excellent opportunity to imagine what project-based learning is like and what it could be. It can be purposeful and service oriented. Berger started the keynote with building character through commitment, courage, compassion, and contribution… instilling virtues in student learning. Various examples of students demonstrating their learning were shown… ranging from field guides, music videos, to student-led conferences. What captured my attention was the Butterfly Critique… using formative assessment and multiple drafts to establish quality work. Learning was more about WE and less about ME. My biggest take-away is, project-based learning is structured by formative and summative assessment. #absolutely
First time I hear the term Expeditionary Learning. I like how Berger refers to building character through virtues. Love the snakes video. Didi he share any examples from secondary students? How do we start the conversation about project/passion-based learning in our secondary schools?
Thanks for your comment and questions Caroline. It reminded me to attach more links to this blog. The “Snakes Are Born This Way” is adorable and it was inspired by a problem… Fear of Snakes… which led to the inquiry… then into the investigation of music video production. It’s pretty incredible. Ron Berger did speak of the long term effects of purposeful learning into the secondary level, however much of his examples are elementary. With that said, I did connect with SD59 who are venturing in this direction… at the elementary and secondary level. Sometimes it takes a CHAMPION to make things happen. Showing one or two videos would be an excellent conversation starter for both elementary and secondary teachers. Passion/project-based learning is absolutely possible at the secondary level. I can see it. There were so many ideas shared at this presentation that are totally transferable to secondary schools. It just has to be in the imaginations of the teacher and learner.