Reading Reflection: Chapter 2

1.  It focuses on the new contexts for learning, which creates new opportunities for teachers to work together using other forms of learning rather than traditional ways, such as using technology.  

2. It decreases teacher isolation, increases commitment to the mission, shares responsibility, the learning is more powerful, and a higher likelihood of fundamental, systemic change. 

3. Learning communities is a great way for teachers to work together to make school better for the students.  It gives them time to share ideas and information, rather than being isolated. 

4.  These learning communities help the students to work together and share their ideas, similar to their teachers.  It helps them broaden their thoughts and visions on a topic rather than just what they thought of. 

5.  The components for shared vision would be have a clear sense of the mission, be organized within the groups, share values and beliefs, teamwork towards their goal, and commit themselves to their work and the groups final goal. 

6.  This chapter relates to my group in numerous ways. Having to work together to accomplish our goal, sharing our own ideas but listening to others, as well as accountability of each member and all of us as whole are some things that stick out in my mind after reading this chapter. 

Reading Reflection Chapter 2

1. The focus of learning communities, is to help your school, business, etc. develop better and be better functioning. They grow, as they continue to try and get the results that they want.

2. The benefits of learning communities are that they allow for growth with their members, as well as their overall goal is to make their business or school better.

3. Learning communities affect teachers in that it can help them see what different methods of instruction work, as they have several members with different ideals for how a solution to a problem. This allows for collaboration between teachers.

4. Learning community’s affect the students in that they learn to understand and work together, much like their teachers. The students learn to work together and bounce different ideas off of each other to solve a problem.

5. The components of the shared vision for learning communities, is very similar to any team project. In that their shared vision is their goal, or what they are looking to achieve in their group. To do this, the members need to learn to work together, ensure group accountability, and be reasonable, as well as accepting different methods of achieving the overall goal.

6. The concepts in this chapter relate to my project, because as this is a group project my members and Ii need to engage in type of learning community. We need to work together, on achieving our goal which is to finish this project. As we are a group of three, we need to be able to hold each other accountable for their roles. As well as we also need to be understanding of the different methods to achieve our goal of finishing this project and making it the best that it can be.

1. As I start my journey on project based learning I need to keep some things in mind. I need to be able to work on my ability to work/trust the members of my group. As project based learning requires you to work in small groups, there needs to be a level of trust and accountability to the group and its members.
2.The benefits of project based learning is that it allows you to work on your ability to do projects in the group setting. Meaning that you have to be able to put your trust in your fellow group member s to do their job.
3. The benefits of students doing project based learning is that it allows them to get more confidence while working on projects. As well as being able to get to know their fellow classmates.
4. When doing project based learning you need to be careful of students doing all of their work. As well as preaching accountability, as in some cases some students won't fully do their portion of the group project.
5. The new technology high is in California and it focuses on the fundamentals of technology. It strives to use technology in the class as part of its project based learning curriculum.

Virtual Pen Pals: Part A and B

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Reading Reflection: Chapter 1

1. The Things you need to keep in mind when doing Project-Based Learning include: Today's students are up for the challenge, projects are with the effort, students live and learn in the real world, and new contexts encourage the project approach. 

2. It is something new for the teachers and students.  The benefits of the PBL are phenomenal for students to take forth with them long after school.  The teacher-student dynamic changes.  Students are using their own mind and creativity to come up with ideas in this type of learning.  They are eager and ambitious to follow through.  It creates real life experiences that they must figure out on their own.  It not only helps them learn, but it teaches them to think for themselves and problem solve.  As an adult in this world, those are very helpful traits to be able to have and put forth on a daily basis in any setting. 

3.  There are a great deal of benefits for students who participate in PBL.  By learning and engaging in real-world projects, their experience with learning changes.  The students behavior changes from just sitting in class, listening to a teacher teach.  They begin to come up with their own thoughts and ideas and form their own meanings.  The classroom setting changes for the students. Rather than dreading coming to school, it gives a fresh new take on learning and real-world experiences that will be beneficial to them after they are done with school, day to day life. 

4.  When using PBL, it is different than what teachers are used to.  When using it, teachers must keep in mind just that.  The way you engage with students through PBL will change, and you will have to readjust. Communication, classroom management, physical arrangement, and assessment changes dramatically with PBL.  Another thing to remember is that with PBL, there is a lot more preparation and planning for teachers. 

5.  New Technology High is all based off of research.   They do not use technology as the focus, but as a tool they consistently have access to.  This is a great example of New Technology Model.  The school is limited to learners, but those who do get in by lottery get to benefit from this type of learning greatly.  It is a forward thinking program using technology to help aid their learning.  

Concept Map 1

Brainstorm

Project ideas:

• Healthy Living
• Fitness
• Meal planning
• Make their own dictionary / Nutrition Vocabulary
• Food groups
• Digestive system

Final Project: 

• Fitness
• Can create a video ... work out video
• Fitness program (Open and invite people in)
• Will have to learn fitness safety
• Meal Planning
• Students have to learn how to cook
• Safety of cooking

Topic: Fitness