Hi Everyone,
Project-Based Learning in ABE and ESL was our September monthly event. Kristi Reyes, Noncredit ESL Faculty at MiraCosta College in Oceanside CA, presented fascinating information about how she does group projects in her ESL classes. Here are a few takeaways:
Why do Projects?
Projects prepare students for the workforce, help meet CCRS and ELPS standards, and develop critical thinking skills. They can build community and reinforce lesson content. Doing projects give students “autonomy and a sense of self-efficacy, honoring their backgrounds and experiences as adults, and to let students shine by offering them the occasion to express themselves via their strongest and preferred modalities” (Reyes, 2022). OCTAE’s Teaching Skills That Matter in Adult Education initiative also emphasizes the importance of project-based learning.
Ideas for Group Projects
Both Kristi and participants shared amazing ideas for group projects:
- Book Bento Boxes
- Digital Stories
- Create a website using Google Sites
- Researching and presenting pros and cons of controversial issues (e.g., single-use water bottles, pennies, zoos)
- Event menus
- Launch your own business presentations
- Differences in health care and education in the USA and students’ native country
- "How can you rent an apartment?" or "What does your local school board do?"
- Create an innovative product using random objects. Students had to introduce the product and their designs to the class.
Kristi Reyes is happy to share a handout she developed for this presentation. Email her at kreyes@miracosta.edu for a copy. Thank you so much Kristi for sharing your expertise with us!
How have you used project-based learning in your classroom or program?
Thanks for your thoughts,
Steven Schmidt, Moderator
LINCS Reading and Writing Group
Comments
I have integrated project-based learning (PBL) into a variety of ESL classes at differing NRS levels. What I've learned is that framing and setting up the project is the greatest determiner of its success. I now spend a week building interest and buy-in on the importance of the skills that they will use in their project. It has helped with getting learners excited about the project.
This semester I am teaching a high intermediate ESL class. Tonight I will be introducing them to our semester-long project titled Be The Change. Students will identify a need within their local community and complete a series of smaller assignments along the way that build toward civic engagement. It is problem-based learning and project-based learning rolled into one long assessment. They will write a letter to someone of influence within the community with a call for action; they will craft an elevator pitch about their community need; they will create an ePortfolio of their work. In doing this, they will build their English skills while simultaneously building confidence with community engagement. At least, that's the goal.