Implementation of Problem-Based Learning Curriculum

This objective had two parts: 1) professional development in problem-based learning in math and science in order for teachers to implement the units, and 2) implementation of problem-based learning in the magnet school. One hundred percent of the classroom teachers in cluster-classrooms in Treatment 1 and 2 schools participated in professional development focusing on problem-solving in math and science using curricula from Mentoring Mathematical Minds and the College of William and Mary. Training included grade-level instruction on the units and strategies, observing, and coaching. For 6th grade math, a curriculum specifically targeting that grade level was developed and implemented year 2-5 of the grant. This curriculum, Math Innovations, has also been very effective in addition to the Mentoring Mathematical Minds (M³) – both out of the University of Connecticut and Kendall Hunt Publishing.

Curriculum

Mathematics Units at Treatment 1 and Treatment 2 Schools

• 3rd Grade: 
  • Unraveling the Mystery of the MoLi Stone: Place Value and Numeration
  • What's the Me in Measurement All About? (M³)
• 4th Grade:
  • Factors, Multiples, and Leftovers: Linking Multiplication and Division
  • Getting into Shapes (M³)
• 5th Grade:
  • Treasures from the Attic: Exploring Fractions 
  • Funkytown Fun House: Focusing on Proportional Reasoning and Similarity (M³)
• 6th Grade (2009 only):
  • Treasures from the Attic: Exploring Fractions
  • Funkytown Fun House: Focusing on Proportional Reasoning and Similarity (M³)
• 6th Grade (2010-2013)
  • A Balancing Act: Focusing on Equality, Algebraic Expressions and Equations
  • Notable Numbers: Focusing on Fractions, Decimals and Percents
  • Sizing Up Shapes: Focusing on Geometry and Measurement
  • Fraction Times: Focusing on Multiplication and Division of Fractions and Decimals
  • At This Rate: Focusing on Ratios and Proportions (Math Innovations, Course 1 level)

Science Units at Treatment 1 and Treatment 2 Schools

• 3rd Grade
  • What's the Matter (Project Clarion)
• 4th Grade
  • Where's the Beach (PBL)
• 5th Grade
  • Acid, Acid Everywhere (PBL) or
  • What a Find (PBL)
• 6th Grade
  • Acid, Acid Everywhere (PBL) or
  • No Quick Fix (PBL)

Mathematics Units at GEMS Academy

• 3rd Grade
  • Awesome Algebra: Looking for Patterns and Generalizations
  • Digging for Data: The Search within Research (M³)
• 4th Grade
  • At the Mall with Algebra: Working with Variables and Equations
  • Analyze This! Representing and Interpreting Data (M³)
• 5th Grade
  • Record Makers and Breakers: Using Algebra to Analyze Change
  • What Are Your Chances? (M³)
• 6th Grade
  • Puzzling Proportions: Focusing on Rates, Percents, and Similarity (7th Grade Level)
  • Sizing Up Solids: Focusing on Angles, Surface Area, and Volume (7th Grade Level)

Science Units at GEMS Academy

• Sustainability and Conservation (original unit)
• Innovation: Independent Study (original unit)
• Innovation: Sustainable Food Production (original unit)
• Learning By Design (original unit)
• Digital Publishing: STEM Career Books (original unit)

Important Finding 
One of the most remarkable findings of the grant dealt with the efficiency of the professional development. As explicated in depth in Objective 6, increases in math scores were not significantly different for the magnet or PBL groups compared to the control. However, the amount of professional development accrued by PBL teachers was much less compared to the amount undertaken by the control group teachers. In other words, PBL teachers were yielding similar levels of growth in math achievement with less time and fewer resources allocated to professional development.

 

PROJECT GEMS INFORMATION

HOME PAGE

METHODOLOGY

OBJECTIVE 1 (IDENTIFICATION PROTOCOL)

OBJECTIVE 2 (IMPLEMENTATION OF PBL CURRICULUM)

OBJECTIVE 3 (NEW CURRICULUM UNITS)

OBJECTIVE 4 (BUSINESS PLAN)

OBJECTIVE 5 (PARENT PLAN)

OBJECTIVE 6 (RESULTS)

PRESENTATIONS AND PAPERS

PROBLEM-BASED LEARNING

PROJECT PERSONNEL

INNOVATION MODEL