What inspired you to write this book Acacia?
Think about your K-12 schooling experience. How often did you engage in research and inquiry around a topic that you were truly excited about? As early as kindergarten, I was fond of sports, Michelangelo, traveling, holidays, food and different cultures. However, I rarely got the opportunity to study topics in school that were relevant and interesting to me. Once I had the means to inspire change in pedagogical practices, it became my passion to do so. I turned my dissertation on project-based learning (PBL) into a published book. I wanted to equip educators with a turnkey, cost-effective curriculum that accounts for planning, managing and assessing PBL. My intentions were to create an interdisciplinary PBL model that motivates students, amplifies student potential, and transforms instruction. The ultimate goal? Push the boundaries of what’s possible for teaching and learning.
As schools experience unparalleled cultural, linguistic, and ethnic diversity, educators are tasked with contextualizing learning for various student populations. Responding to these diverse needs is paramount if schools are to equitably serve all students. When equity is at the center of learning, all students benefit. PBL is one model for reducing curricular barriers and enhancing equity through exposure and opportunity. Allowing students to engage in authentic, student-centered experiences expands their ability to think creatively and innovatively. PBL is one avenue for cultivating these outcomes. Students develop their own understanding of the world through inquiry, research, problem-solving, reflecting and presenting content. Students go deeper for conceptual knowledge because they can study any topic, in any discipline. Equally important is integrating the arts and raising awareness around environmental, social, and economic issues. PBL offers a balanced education that elevates student consciousness around critical issues.
RRISE UP and foster an unforgettable PBL experience for today’s youth.
Project-Based Learning Across The Disciplines
By Acacia M. Warren
Plan, Manage and Assess Through +1 Pedagogy
*Also available at Amazon.com
Resources
Project-Based Learning Presentation
Project-Based Learning Unit
This is what Dr. Warren is reading this month.
Pedro A. Noguera - “The Trouble with Black Boys...” because the pressures, stereotypes, and patterns of failure that Black males experience often begin in school. Throughout the United States, Black males are more likely than any other group in American society to be punished, labeled, categorized for special education, and to experience academic failure.
What can we do? Understanding and debunking racial stereotypes, breaking down racial separations, and challenging the hidden curriculum are challenges not just for teachers but for principals, administrators, and entire school communities. Get the book and support authors who identify with, relate to, and use their agency to support marginalized groups in society.
This is what Dr. Warren is reading this month.
Derrick Barnes and Gordon C. James - “I Am Every Good Thing” because we all need to slow down and really look and listen, when somebody tells you--and shows you--who they are.
I am
a nonstop ball of energy.
Powerful and full of light.
I am a go-getter. A difference maker. A leader.
Get the book and support authors who identify with, relate to, and use their agency to highlight "every good thing" about marginalized groups in society.
2021 Events
PBL Institute for Equity, Social Justice, and Inclusion (Grades 6-12)
Session 1: June 15 & 22
Session 2: July 27 & August 3
This virtual PBL Institute is for current secondary teachers, instructional coaches, and coordinators. The institute is designed to maximize teacher collaboration in designing an interdisciplinary project-based learning unit that highlights equity, social justice, and inclusion. Educators will explore the +1 Pedagogy framework in greater depth as they create a PBL unit for any topic in any discipline. Essential questions addressed in this workshop include: 1) What defines a modern education? 2) What is project-based learning, why does it matter, and to whom does it matter? and 3) How do you advance equity, social justice, and inclusion initiatives through PBL?
Participants will receive resources and Dr. Warren’s book.
PBL Institute for Equity, Social Justice, and Inclusion (Grades K-5)
Session 1: June 17 & 24
Session 2: July 29 & August 5
This virtual PBL Institute is for current elementary teachers, instructional coaches, and coordinators. The institute is designed to maximize teacher collaboration in designing an interdisciplinary project-based learning unit that highlights equity, social justice, and inclusion. Educators will explore the +1 Pedagogy framework in greater depth as they create a PBL unit for any topic in any discipline. Essential questions addressed in this workshop include: 1) What defines a modern education? 2) What is project-based learning, why does it matter, and to whom does it matter? and 3) How do you advance equity, social justice, and inclusion initiatives through PBL?
Participants will receive resources and Dr. Warren’s book.