The concept of Relevant, Engaging, Authentic Learning experiences has become an integral part of our district mission and strategic plan. In addition, the district 127 portrait of a graduate is full of characteristics that can only be developed through experiential learning. In an effort to reach these goals, District 127 has invested a great deal of time and resources in helping teachers learn about, develop, and implement project-based learning experiences for our students. We are seeing project-based learning opportunities popping-up all over our course offerings but there is still so much more work to be done.
In this episode, I spoke with Chris Ellingsen, Colin Plach, and Joey Philipp about their experiences with project-based learning and why they believe these experiences are so important for our students. Chris & Colin, two of our Grayslake Central CTE teachers, teach courses that are strictly project-based and Joey, our new biology teacher, comes to us with extensive training and experience with project-based learning from his previous district. These teachers have amassed a wealth of knowledge working on projects with students of all ability and skill levels. We can learn so much about the planning, implementation, and revision of PBL experiences from these teachers and they are anxious to share what they know.
This podcast episode is just a first step into their foray into providing professional development about PBL to our staff. Join them in January for their building level late start session and in February for their TTT session. Whether you have never tried PBL or incorporate PBL regularly, all of us stand to benefit from spending time with these teachers.
