Conversation with a Colleague about Project Based Learning
During the first week of my “Advanced Project Based Learning” class I was looking over the syllabus, I immediately realized that the conversation with a colleague would probably be the most challenging assignment for me. I realize that it should not be difficult. I should be able to have an open conversation and get some good insight into my peer’s thoughts. Sadly, this is not the norm at my school. I believe that my school is full of wonderful teachers who believe that teaching in an immersion program is extremely important. These teachers have also been working at The Language Academy for a long time and most are not looking for new teaching strategies. So, I really had to sit down and think about whom I should broach this topic with and how to guide the conversation.
After lots of consideration, I approached a Kindergarten teacher. She is very open-minded and we have often times discussed our feelings of isolation. Most of my students were in her class last year and we have visited her class to share our writing. To begin the conversation I simply asked Ellen, “What do you think about project based learning?” She looked at me and gave me the honest answer that she really hadn’t given it much thought. As I explained our “Advanced Project Based Learning” class to her she was very interested. I explained to her how I was trying to create more Science projects by integrating non-fiction writing and offering the students more choice. Ellen asked me many questions and became very interested in the topic. She began to realize, as I did, that many things she was already doing could be considered projects. I handed her a copy of the six A’s and we talked about how these existing projects could be improved.
We were both very excited but also realized that we have certain restrictions that we have to follow according to the district. We talked about how we could do both. I think that it is very possible to do this with some planning and creativity. One thing was certain; it was necessary to put some extra time so that the students receive the best possible instruction.
We left our lunch rejuvenated. Ellen is eager to begin exploring the benefits of project-based learning and I was very happy to share this with a colleague. I know that it may be impossible to change the opinion of an entire staff but I am happy to have made this small advance. I also think that this project helped me to realize the importance of approaching colleagues about topics I believe in even if they are a little be uncomfortable.
After lots of consideration, I approached a Kindergarten teacher. She is very open-minded and we have often times discussed our feelings of isolation. Most of my students were in her class last year and we have visited her class to share our writing. To begin the conversation I simply asked Ellen, “What do you think about project based learning?” She looked at me and gave me the honest answer that she really hadn’t given it much thought. As I explained our “Advanced Project Based Learning” class to her she was very interested. I explained to her how I was trying to create more Science projects by integrating non-fiction writing and offering the students more choice. Ellen asked me many questions and became very interested in the topic. She began to realize, as I did, that many things she was already doing could be considered projects. I handed her a copy of the six A’s and we talked about how these existing projects could be improved.
We were both very excited but also realized that we have certain restrictions that we have to follow according to the district. We talked about how we could do both. I think that it is very possible to do this with some planning and creativity. One thing was certain; it was necessary to put some extra time so that the students receive the best possible instruction.
We left our lunch rejuvenated. Ellen is eager to begin exploring the benefits of project-based learning and I was very happy to share this with a colleague. I know that it may be impossible to change the opinion of an entire staff but I am happy to have made this small advance. I also think that this project helped me to realize the importance of approaching colleagues about topics I believe in even if they are a little be uncomfortable.
