EDLD 5326 Reflections

My Action Research turning the traditional classroom into a PBL classroom.  This process is in full swing.  The Sociology teacher and I have worked hard to make this a success.  She perhaps is even more excited than me about doing these classes even though this was initiated by me.  Both of us are working hard to develop project lessons, as well as developing the appropriate amount of difficulty and rigor.  We want the kids to be challenged, but we also want the kids to have success. 

I personally have had a few problems.  My first problem entails just knowing exactly what to do.  Focused research would help accomplish this, but lack of time available for research has been an issue.  As a STUCO representative, I have had to dedicate lots of time getting through the Homecoming activities of the school.  Luckily, we had all that this weekend.  I hope to do more research, as well as attend a conference about PBL. 

My second biggest problem is to have the appropriate level of difficulty for my kids.  Some of the kids have no problem accomplishing the goals I have set for them, and are finished too quickly.  Other kids struggle with the basic concepts of the projects.  I think that I will need to have differing assignment for the different kids.  This can sometimes be problematic because it can’t just be more work for the smarter and more accomplished kids.  These lessons just have to be more challenging.  Finding that balance is at a premium.