Project-based Learning Is for Everyone

On Friday, I attended a session entitled "Project-based Learning: How High School Librarians Impact School Reform," offered by the "cybrarians" from Kapolei High School on Oahu, Hawaii. It provided an overview of the planning process that is necessary before project-based learning (PBL) assignments can be undertaken by students. Without thorough and careful collaborative planning by the librarian and content area teacher, the PBL assignment will not provide the students with the learning opportunities and support that will lead to successful learning and achievement. Identification of student outcomes, benchmarks, and timelines, and appropriate development of the research process, essential questions, and meaningful assessment are all integral parts of the collaborative planning process that will encourage and nurture student ownership in his or her learning. Hopefully, the experience will result in students who will become lifelong learners who will attain their personal learning goals.

Yes, collaboration is the name of the game for library media specialists. Without it, students will not become information literate, and the library media program will fail to become an integral part of the students' learning experiences. "Grunt work" is what I call the collaborative planning and preparation that must be done before the students even enter the media center to begin work on their projects. That planning process can be difficult, complex, and time-consuming, but is absolutely necessary for students to have successful learning opportunities that will lead to academic achievement. The students at Kapolei High School are now reaping the rewards of that investment.