EOY PBL Reflection

What did you learn this year?


I learned a lot this year. The main things I learned was the steps in the process of PBL. I also learned about speaking in front of people for a presentation. I have always been afraid of public speaking so this year helped me a lot. Some of the steps that I learned in the PBL process were finding an essential question. Some other steps were researching all about your topic, and finding experts for your feedback. Once you get your feedback and you can take it and improve your project. These steps helped me get through all of my PBL projects this year. I also learned about the difference to work in a group or by yourself. I worked in a few groups and learned about the challenges you can experience while being with others. When doing an individual project you learn that you have more responsibilities. Overall I have learned a ton of information that is going to help me throughout the years.


How do you know you learned the information?

I know how I learned the information because I just overall feel good about PBL this year. I just know that I accomplished and absorbed a ton of things. Another way I know is because I had enough knowledge about the topic to get up in front people to present. I know I would have had a hard time presenting if I wasn't familiar with the material. I know I learned a lot about my self also. I learned about how I work through projects and how well I like them. Im more aware of the way I plan projects and complete them.


What got in the way of your learning?


I'd say a few things got in the way. I usually always got distracted by Facebook and other websites. It's really hard for me to focus on something for long periods of time so, I have a habit of clicking to Facebook. Also I got distracted with other people in the room. Any socializing of any type usually distracts me from anything. That became I big challenge when trying to get a project done because I kept procrastinating. Im still learning to not get distracted very easily.


What helped your learning? 


The PBL process helped me a TON. The steps that I was taught makes everything a lot easier. I believe they make your project its best. Another thing that helped my learning was my computer. Every project I have done involved my computer. Each project required a lot of research to complete, and thats where my computer came in handy. When being in group projects, talking to my group about the topic helped me learn a lot more because sometimes your group members might have more information than you.

How do you feel about PBL?

I think PBL is great. I don't learn much on FLVS, so I like PBL because I actually learn valuable things. I have always like doing projects, so PBL was always fun to me. I definitely went through some interesting projects, but that taught me a lot. I think the skills I have picked up from PBL will be very helpful in college and beyond! Even though we had to go through some projects that were kind of a boring topic, we still got to a few of our own choice. In regular high school, kids never get offered to do choice projects about ANYTHING they want, thats why I feel so lucky to experience this PBL. This never could have been a successful subject without the help of Mr. Randy and Mrs. Amy. I'm so glad that I got to learn with their guidance and help.


What was your favorite project?


I would have to say it was my project "What does it mean to be a professional photographer?"

Why was this your favorite project?


Its probably my favorite project because it was my own choice. I think that it really made me think. I realized that this project wasn't even internet research based. It was all my words, opinions, and knowledge. Thats why I think I like it so much. It taught me all about doing art for yourself and no one else. I really had to think about everything I was saying and that ended up being very challenging, but I  think thats what makes it so deep. I feel like it makes people think. I also think its my favorite because everyone got to a experience a piece about me. They got to see what kind of photography I love, and how I think is in an inspiration. I just overly enjoyed creating this project.

How will you use what you learned from this year to help you with next years project work?


I defiantly know I will carry on the PBL process. It helped me so much that I know I will be using it for a long time. Also, learning about how I work in a classroom environment with a lot of my friends is helpful. I'm still in the process of adapting to the way I learn and try to make it work. I know I will bring the skill of public speaking next year. It helped me to get over my fear of talking in front of people and I know that I will get better each time I do it. I will take everything that I learned not only for next year, but for a long time. I can see these skills and techniques helping me far along the way.