Tri-town teachers get educated on project-based learning
Oct 11, 2018
Dr. Justin Reich of MIT confers with Sippican teacher Kelly Kelleher about the importance of background knowledge. Photo by: E.O. Bednarczyk
Educators listen to Dr. Justin Reich's presentation. Photo by: Elise Frangos.
A Norton teacher presents on the social and emotional competencies gained when students work on projects. Photo by: Elise Frangos.
Teachers and administrators discuss how to implement changes with Dr. Justin Reich. Photo by: E.O Bednarczyk
Presenters enjoy a lunch and learn. Photo by: E.O Bednarczyk
Silas Coellner shows educators how to create a Google-based website. Photo by: E.O Bednarczyk
Friday, Oct. 5, was a day off for students of the Old Rochester Regional School District, but teachers and staff spent the day learning.
Classrooms, libraries, and computer labs were occupied by educators taking courses taught by teachers and guest speakers who are experts on project-based learning.
Project-based learning, which involves students working in teams and individually to apply knowledge to accomplish a project, is a key component of the Old Rochester district’s recently adopted five-year strategic plan.
During the Friday professional development day, MIT professor Dr. Justin Reich spoke about changes teachers need to make to provide students with the opportunity to solve unstructured problems and to guide them through the process. As part of his presentation, Reich showed slides of students at MIT inventing, collaborating, and developing projects.
Throughout the year, the school district offers a range of professional development opportunities to district staff as well as to teachers from outside of the tri-town. The next professional development day, on Jan. 18, will and focus on growing students’ social and emotional capacities.
