ERIC Number: EJ719938
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2005
Pages: 34
Abstractor: Author
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-1539-1523
EISSN: N/A
Project-Based Learning in a Middle School: Tracing Abilities through the Artifacts of Learning
Grant, Michael M.; Branch, Robert Maribe
Journal of Research on Technology in Education, v38 n1 p65-98 Fall 2005
The purpose of this study was to explore how individual differences--specifically abilities--were used in the construction of computer-mediated learning artifacts while working within a project-based learning environment. A case study design was used with five participants purposively selected from 61 eighth grade geography students at a small, private day school in the southeastern United States. Data were collected through a self-report inventory, interviews, observations, and artifacts. Results indicated that learning artifacts reflected individual differences through blends of abilities while other abilities identified by the participants went untapped or unrecognized. Second, the learning artifacts represented the learners' knowledge in three ways: system knowledge, domain knowledge, and metacognitive knowledge. However, some knowledge, such as process decision making, went undocumented. Finally, the flexibility in the project-based learning environment allowed the participants to make decisions about their abilities, resources, and plans. Recommendations and implications for teacher educators as well as inservice and preservice teachers are also presented.
Descriptors: Middle School Students, Student Projects, Active Learning, Computer Assisted Instruction, Multiple Intelligences, Individual Differences, Metacognition, Decision Making, Grade 8, Case Studies, Teacher Education
International Society for Technology in Education, 480 Charnelton Street, Eugene, OR 97401-2626. Tel: 800-336-5191 (Toll Free); Tel: 541-302-3777; e-mail: iste@iste.org.
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Evaluative
Education Level: Middle Schools
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A