This is the second blog in a series of short blogs about how Project Based Learning is working in our classrooms.
In all my research before Belinda and I began implementing Project Based Learning a common theme revolved around Critical Thinking. Critical Thinking is a General Capability in the Australian Curriculum and the Melbourne Declaration on Educational Goals for Young Australians (MCEETYA 2008) recognises that critical thinking is fundamental to students becoming successful learners. It also states that thinking that is productive is at the centre of effective learning and students become more confident and autonomous problem-solvers and thinkers.
Just last week I had my first real 'moment' in regards to PBL. It occurred during our PBL time when a group of girls were doing some research on an Australian Pioneer so that they can develop a resume for their Australian Pioneer. The girls were reading some different books on Caroline Chisholm and discovered that two of the books were saying two different things. The girls came to me and asked 'Which is true?' Of course I didn't answer but encouraged them to find more examples to distinguish which one is most likely to be correct.
Days after, two students were having a discussion about Matthew Flinders, at lunchtime! The two students were from separate classes but both researching Matthew Flinders. They were debating the achievements of Matthew Flinders and why he was famous. 'Matthew Flinders circumnavigated Australia', said one student. The other student was not so sure. On the day of our Celebration of Learning, both groups teamed up to critique each other’s projects and offer feedback.
In our world of increasing consumerism and ever growing pieces of information it is important that students develop critical thinking skills. Tomorrow’s citizens will need to think critically on issues as small as which device to buy for their social networking or as big as what is the best way to prevent disasters linked to climate change. Critical Thinking will be so important!
Nathan