Cassandra Dolinar’s students are learning how to make change happen in a very real way. Mrs. Dolinar spent her summer attending various Problem-based Learning trainings and, ultimately, designed a real-world activity for the freshman in her health classes. It all started with a driving question “How can we make Grandview High School a healthy lifestyle school?”. For their final product, students were required to propose two changes, one physical and one emotional/healthy, to Grandview High School.
They were allowed to choose their groups and were given a choice on how to present their proposals, either a website or a sales pitch format. The proposal requirements were very hefty. Presentations had to include an accurate cost analysis of the proposed changes, blueprints, and, in some cases, reaching beyond the classroom walls to experts in the field, like those they met on a field trip to Kansas City Community Garden.
The PBL process allowed students not only to learn about healthy lifestyles, but also about professionalism, public speaking, building relationships (both in school and the community), and collaboration. Student presentations took place last week in front of several experts who volunteered their time throughout the district and community. Their ideas were great! Mrs. Dolinar is making some changes for next semester, but is ready to start planning her next "mini" PBL project for a unit on bullying. Way to go!
They were allowed to choose their groups and were given a choice on how to present their proposals, either a website or a sales pitch format. The proposal requirements were very hefty. Presentations had to include an accurate cost analysis of the proposed changes, blueprints, and, in some cases, reaching beyond the classroom walls to experts in the field, like those they met on a field trip to Kansas City Community Garden.
The PBL process allowed students not only to learn about healthy lifestyles, but also about professionalism, public speaking, building relationships (both in school and the community), and collaboration. Student presentations took place last week in front of several experts who volunteered their time throughout the district and community. Their ideas were great! Mrs. Dolinar is making some changes for next semester, but is ready to start planning her next "mini" PBL project for a unit on bullying. Way to go!
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