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June 17, 2014
Granbury ISD teachers are exploring Project Based Learning through training provided by the district curriculum department during June 2014.
A new teaching style, PBL is transforming the way GISD students are learning. A select group of teachers began the new initiative during the 2013-14 school year. Projects at various campuses included a kindergarten hospital, emergency preparedness, a pumpkin garden, human rights, a zombie apocalypse, rollercoasters, community history, good deeds, and math probability.
The Buck Institute for Education defines PBL as a systematic teaching method that engages students in learning important knowledge and 21 century skills through an extended, student-influenced inquiry process structured around complex, authentic questions and carefully designed projects and learning tasks.
“Through conversations with our students, staff and community, our students are experiencing true 21st century learning,” commented superintendent Dr. James Largent, noting that the initiative developed through the district’s GISD 2020 strategic planning conducted last school year.
One of the strategic objectives from the 2020 plan is to implement PBL “to enhance critical thinking, problem-solving, and communication in an optimal environment.”
“PBL takes learning to a new level and encourages our students to think, communicate, collaborate, and problem-solve as they work on different projects in their classroom,” said Largent. “I am excited to see our students go through this first year with PBL.”
Pictured above, Granbury High School science teacher Jennifer Harvey (left) discusses PBL strategies with GHS career and technical education teacher Connie Jesko during the recent district training.
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