In the February 2008 edition of the online and print magazine called “Educational Leadership,” Jane L. David, a Palo Alto based educational researcher, discussed the pros and cons of Project-Based Learning.
David’s article was referenced in the blog by Suzie Boss and Jane Krauss (http://reinventingpbl.blogspot.com), co-authors of a recently published book “Re-inventing Project-Based Learning.” The title of Suzie Boss’ blog entry is “Projects for the Privileged? Let’s Hope Not!” Suzie Boss disagrees with Jane David because she believes that project-based learning is possible with low-performing students in high-poverty schools.
As an example of a successful project-based learning school, Suzie Boss mentions the San Fernando Education Technology Team, also known as SFETT. This non-profit organization was founded by a former teacher at San Fernando High School in Southern California. Although the Marco Torres’ website is inspiring, just referring to one example of a successful program in a high-poverty area make his accomplishment seem like an exception. In my next blog, I would like to find other low-income schools who have brought computer technology and project-based learning to their students.
