Towards Project Based Learning - The Long and Winding Road

The First Steps Part 2

The other day the students were given a treasure hunt to complete around the Academy. The purpose was two-fold. Firstly it gave the Year 7 students a chance to discover places in the school they perhaps did not know existed. Secondly it was a chance for students to practice some of the collaborative skills they had been developing and develop their sense of responsibility by moving round the school in an orderly manner.

The task was completed quite well. We deliberately kept students away from most of the other learning sessions going on in the school, however some teachers complained that Year 7's running around caused a disruption because they were out of lessons.

The Principal at first wanted us to cancel the activity, with the second Year half, but then realised that this was part of the learning process. Students were given the opportunity to reflect on their actions at the end and group facilitators who had been observing discussed with individuals their behaviour.

Myself and all the staff facilitating the programme think it was worthwhile. At this stage, I don't know if all the staff in the Academy would agree!

Seminars

Just come back from walking around the groups.   The students are all in seminars at the moment and are all really engaged in learning.   So far every seminar we've run has been really successful.  Why are the seminars successful?

• perhaps it's because the students have had an element of choice;
• perhaps they feel a sense of responsibility towards the others in their team;
• perhaps it's because they are meeting teachers they don't normally meet;
• perhaps it's because they recognise that the intense learning that goes on in these short sessions are worthwhile and serve a purpose.   

My guess it's a combination of all of these.   

When I walk into the area of the school where the programme is taking place, at any time, the students always active and engaged in learning.   Some teachers have complained about the noise level, but I think this is getting better as the students become more aware of how their actions affect others.