Core ideas Three elements are key for this type of learning. We want to design learning experiences that enable and support all three parts of the process.
Preparation
domain-specific education, project skills
Learn domain knowledge
Learn relevant theories, perspectives, tools, and models
Develop reflection skills
Generate usable frameworks and templates for data
Action
implementation focus,
built-in data collection
Learn skills by using and applying frameworks, templates, theory, tools, etc.
(both content- and process-related)
Learn domain knowledge as demanded by situation
Learn by interacting with others
Generate results (or lack thereof)
Reflection
what to make of this experience
Learn what you don't know, and want to know, and figure out how to learn more
Learn by reflecting on the use of theory, frameworks, data templates
Learn from other students' experiences---peers are key
Generate new frameworks and templates
Context This new project is a result of our internal brainstorming process; archived background material (MIT Certificate required). Dean Schmalensee's April 2006 announcement of this project . The projects committee presentation to senior staff, faculty, and student representatives in March 2006.
Three objectives:
General course that frames experience-based learning:a new course desgined to support existing project-based learning experiences. planned to be offered as a bookend course in 2006-7.
Emergent projects course:students and faculty co-create projects linked to work already taking place on campus or neaby. Our first offering of this course in Spring 07 will focus on sustainability.
Buildingconnections, knowledge, and capabilities: to make project-based learning more effective: an internal development effort, involving getting people together and creating an online repository for sharing ideas and learning and building a community.