Double Entry Journal # 8

Thematic instruction is a great strategy for students. Themes can be used throughout the year and project based learning can take place around these themes. Themes can help enhance student learning when focused on solving authentic problems such as those posed in project based learning. When doing a PBL, themes can help with the understanding of new concepts.

Project based learning is a great time to incorporate cooperative groups. Cooperative groups are great at anytime but having other to work with on a project can really boost students ability and want to learn and participate. In cooperative groups students work together to accomplish a common goal which is great in project based learning. Grouping students helps with interpersonal skills and many other things that students will need in the "real world". Project based learning is based on real life and by working in cooperative groups, it enables a more real feeling and successes for the students.

Simulations and games is also a great strategy to use with students of all ages. I feel this goes hand in hand with project based learning. I feel that is what project based learning is all about, simulations. Children are given a senario and need to come up with the best way to solve it. This is great practice again for the real world. By simulating this students work together to solve problems and come up with solutions. Simulations have been known to enhance learning and interpersonal skills. This is great especially if they simulation or game is based on real life.