Project-Based Learning: Beyond Technology

Course Description

Welcome to "Project-Based Learning: Beyond Technology," an innovative course brought to you by Arm Education. This intermediate-level course is designed to equip educators with the essential non-technological aspects of Project-Based Learning (PBL). As a participant, you'll dive deep into the world of soft skills that are crucial for success in both education and the workplace. From gracious professionalism to effective teamwork, communication, and collaboration, this course covers it all.

But that's not all! We'll also empower you to become a passionate advocate for PBL among your peers and provide you with the tools to effectively communicate its benefits to school leadership and parents. You'll explore various methods of integrating PBL into your formal curriculum and learn how to maximize available resources to enhance your lessons.

What Students Will Learn

• The significance of STEM skills, particularly teamwork, which are highly valued in the workplace but often overlooked in traditional education
• Key aspects of effective PBL teaching, including strategies to engage and empower learners
• Methods to articulate the effectiveness of your newly acquired skills and classroom practices to colleagues and parents
• Techniques for encouraging, advocating, and organizing 'extra-curricular' PBL activities such as hackathons and after-school clubs
• The unique 'Arm School Program' approach and how to seamlessly integrate it into your lesson plans
• Practical application of your learning through a classroom investigation

Prerequisites

• Familiarity with Computing subject knowledge and its practical application
• Basic knowledge of electronics, hardware, boards, and sensors

Course Coverage

• Introduction to Project-Based Learning
• The importance of gracious professionalism in education
• Understanding and utilizing contexts in PBL
• Strategies for engaging parents and colleagues
• Implementing PBL in extra-curricular activities
• Addressing challenges in cross-curricular delivery
• The role of Senior Leadership Teams in supporting PBL
• Collaborating with external partners
• Adapting and enhancing the Arm School Program PBL approach
• Conducting a classroom investigation to apply learned concepts

Who This Course Is For

This course is ideal for intermediate-level educators who are passionate about innovative teaching methods and want to enhance their skills in Project-Based Learning. It's perfect for teachers who are looking to integrate more hands-on, collaborative approaches in their classrooms and want to develop the soft skills necessary for successful PBL implementation.

Real-World Application

The skills acquired in this course are immediately applicable in the classroom and beyond. Educators will be able to create more engaging, real-world learning experiences for their students, preparing them for future careers that demand collaboration, problem-solving, and adaptability. These skills will also enhance teachers' ability to communicate effectively with colleagues, school leadership, and parents, potentially leading to more support for innovative teaching methods and resources.

Syllabus

• Module 1: Introduction
• Module 2: The importance of gracious professionalism
• Module 3: Contexts are key
• Module 4: Engaging parents (and colleagues)
• Module 5: Keeping PBL extra curricula
• Module 6: Issues with cross curricular delivery
• Module 7: The role of the Senior Leadership Team
• Module 8: External partners
• Module 9: Adapting and enhancing the ASP PBL approach
• Module 10: Classroom investigation