Problem-Based-Learning for the Problem-Based-Classroom!
I need tools to use Problem-Based-Learning with my exceptional population by attending a professional development conference in Houston on that very topic!
My amazing students range from 5 years old to 9 years old, Kindergarten to 3rd grade. All of my students receive special education services for Emotional Disturbance. We are a semi self-contained unit a public elementary school in Ohio. 100% of our students receive free lunch. We are a diverse class made up of Caucasian, African American, and Latino students. Academically my students are between one and three years behind grade level. Because of the widely varying academic & cognitive levels, not to mention the multitude of emotional-maturity levels, our classroom is run in a strict rotation of Learning Centers, each targeting a specific skill that each student can then address 1-on-1 with any of the three adults in our classroom.
One of my students has a cognitive disability, two are on the Autism spectrum (ASD), three have Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD), six have nonspecific Mood Disorders and all eight are diagnosed with Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder (ADHD).
One student has a 1-on-1 aide. We also have 2 part-time kids. On a daily basis, we struggle with social skills, resilience, anger management, and problem-solving skills. Tough Love is name of the game in this wonderful, crazy classroom
My Project
I am requesting to attend a five-day learning institute on the topic of Problem Based Learning (PBL) in the fields of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM). My student population is Emotionally Disturbed; by definition, they tend to be apathetic towards change at best, and terrified of it at worst. Engaging in a community-focused Problem-Based-Learning project will allow them to face some of those fears of change by becoming an actual agent of change themselves!
Problem Based Learning, aka "PBL" projects are an incredible way of motivating students; my students with behavioral/emotional needs can begin to see their own worth in our community as civic-minded, problem-solving, socially-engaged young citizens.
With Problem Based Learning, students choose their project topic based on an issue they are passionate about, which in turn drives them to find and implement real-world solutions. They literally solve a community problem, as a class! While PBL's can be done in any academic area, I chose Science, Technology, and/or Math (STEM) for a specific reason; my diverse classroom is made up entirely of underrepresented minorities. Statistically-speaking, black, latino, disabled, poor, and/or at-risk students are underrepresented in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math. Change starts right here, right now, with this Professional Development and your generosity!
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As a teacher-founded nonprofit, we're trusted by thousands of teachers and supporters across the country. This classroom request for funding was created by Ms. Emerton and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.
