Reinventing a Public High School with Problem-Based Learning

Summary

Sammamish High School has undergone a transformative shift to a problem-based learning (PBL) model, thanks to a federal grant. This change moves from traditional teacher-centered methods to student-driven, real-world problem solving. Teachers and students alike embrace PBL, finding it more engaging and effective. The new approach promotes collaboration, critical thinking, and practical application, preparing students for future challenges. The school's journey highlights the benefits of PBL, including deeper learning, increased student ownership, and a more dynamic educational environment.

Takeaways

• 😀 Sammamish High School faced declining enrollment but is now transforming with problem-based learning.
• 🎓 A federal grant has enabled Sammamish to redesign its curriculum to be problem-based across all subjects.
• 👩‍🏫 The shift is from traditional teacher-centered classrooms to teacher-facilitated, authentic problem-solving environments.
• 📚 Professional development for teachers is crucial, with sessions led by Sammamish teachers for their peers.
• 🛠 Problem-based learning involves students actively working together to solve real-world problems.
• 🌱 Authentic problems resonate with students, making them more engaged and invested in their education.
• 🧑‍🏫 Teachers collaborate on curriculum development during the school day, enhancing best practices in their disciplines.
• 🧑‍🔬 Students undertake projects that simulate real-world systems, like aquaponics, promoting hands-on learning.
• 🏛 Projects like 'The Scramble for the Arctic' allow students to tackle current global issues through role-play and debate.
• 💬 Students present their work to external audiences, which deepens their learning and prepares them for future challenges.
• 🤝 Group projects help students understand content better by learning from peers and engaging in cooperative work.
• 🎤 The culture at Sammamish emphasizes the value of student contributions and active participation in the learning process.

Q & A

What significant change did Sammamish High School undergo?

Sammamish High School shifted from a traditional teacher-centered classroom to a problem-based learning (PBL) approach where students engage in authentic problems.

How was Sammamish High School able to implement the problem-based learning model?

They received a federal grant which allowed them to redesign their school to implement problem-based learning across all curricular areas.

What is the role of teachers in the problem-based learning model at Sammamish High School?

Teachers facilitate learning rather than directly instructing, helping students to engage in and solve real-world problems.

How did the school prepare for the implementation of problem-based learning?

They conducted five days of professional development led by Sammamish teachers for Sammamish teachers.

What are some of the benefits of problem-based learning mentioned in the script?

Students become more engaged, develop leadership and cooperation skills, and learn content more effectively by solving real-world problems.

What concerns did teachers have about transitioning to problem-based learning?

Teachers were concerned about getting all the content in and ensuring students were prepared for this new style of learning.

What project was used as an example of problem-based learning in the script?

One project mentioned was creating an aquaponics system, where students simulated an environmental system with provided materials.

How do students feel about problem-based learning compared to traditional learning methods?

Students find problem-based learning more interesting and memorable as it involves hands-on experiences and real-world applications.

What was the 'Scramble for the Arctic' project about?

It involved students discussing and debating who should control resources in the Arctic due to climate change, with roles assigned as countries, environmental groups, and organizations.

What is the overall goal of problem-based learning at Sammamish High School?

The goal is to make students feel involved and important in their education, preparing them for future challenges by fostering a sense of ownership and deeper understanding of the material.