The 3 things you need to know about PeBL are:
#1. It's not something we made up.
OK... the acronym is of our own making, but the concepts it represents are being actively practiced by educational leaders around the world. These practices are not new; there are infinite resources available for adaptation and implementation. Keep reading for more details on the P, e, and BL.
OK... the acronym is of our own making, but the concepts it represents are being actively practiced by educational leaders around the world. These practices are not new; there are infinite resources available for adaptation and implementation. Keep reading for more details on the P, e, and BL.
#2. There is compelling, third party research to suggest that personalized learning is what's best for kids.
Pop over to our "why" page... it's so good that we just have to make sure you get there.
Pop over to our "why" page... it's so good that we just have to make sure you get there.
#3. We have a plan.
Described in detail here, we have identified the tools, supports and resources required to effectively implement PeBL throughout all of Sun West School Division. Some teachers and some Sun West schools are several years into their journey; others are just starting out. We want to share and distribute that wealth of knowledge and experience and ensure that everyone knows where and how to access additional supports as needed.
Described in detail here, we have identified the tools, supports and resources required to effectively implement PeBL throughout all of Sun West School Division. Some teachers and some Sun West schools are several years into their journey; others are just starting out. We want to share and distribute that wealth of knowledge and experience and ensure that everyone knows where and how to access additional supports as needed.
In Sun West, we use the term PeBL to refer to three complementary and integrated methods of teaching:
(P) personalized learning
A variety of learning experiences and instructional approaches are used to address the distinct learning needs, interests, aspirations and cultural backgrounds of individual students. |
(e) electronically
Refers to learning that in some way utilizes electronic devices or equipment; this is not to suggest that it should be the only or even the primary way of learning, but that it is a useful practice both in terms of efficient information gathering and critical skills development. |
(BL) blended learning
This instructional strategy combines digital or online media with traditional, face-to-face forms of instruction. Blended learning is inherently flexible and is often incorporated into personalized learning practises. |
But to us, it's more than just an acronym.
PeBL is a process.
A learner-centered process that supports the gradual and deliberate transfer of responsibility between educator and student.
PeBL, rooted firmly in the principles of personalized learning, is really about giving students voice and choice.
Voice in determining with what tools and at what pace they learn. Choice in the way they demonstrate their learning and show evidence that they've met - or mastered - curricular outcomes.
But this freedom does not come without responsibility, nor is it granted without careful consideration. Being mindful of the individual learner's age, maturity, understanding of the subject and proven ability to work independently, teachers will gradually and deliberately start to shift decision making responsibility towards the learner.
When the student has demonstrated sufficient understanding and maturity to take on these decisions, they will first be invited to make small decisions about their learning. They will get to decide things like “Where do I want to sit or work while I learn about today's topic?" or "Who do I want to work with today?” In time, they are encouraged to make bigger, more consequential decisions like “What kind of project could I do that would allow me to explore <this topic> in a way that interests me?" "What facet of <this subject> most intrigues me? What tools or resources could I use to learn more about it?”
Notice we do not talk about the transfer of responsibility to and from or suggest that it only goes one way. Between, implies that at times, responsibility rests primarily with the teacher. Other times, responsibility will shift to the student. It is an ongoing exchange, a back and forth that is determined by specific circumstances. The teacher will initially hold most, if not all, of the responsibility but it will begin – at a very young age – to shift between them and the learner so that they start to take ownership in and engage with their learning.
But this freedom does not come without responsibility, nor is it granted without careful consideration. Being mindful of the individual learner's age, maturity, understanding of the subject and proven ability to work independently, teachers will gradually and deliberately start to shift decision making responsibility towards the learner.
When the student has demonstrated sufficient understanding and maturity to take on these decisions, they will first be invited to make small decisions about their learning. They will get to decide things like “Where do I want to sit or work while I learn about today's topic?" or "Who do I want to work with today?” In time, they are encouraged to make bigger, more consequential decisions like “What kind of project could I do that would allow me to explore <this topic> in a way that interests me?" "What facet of <this subject> most intrigues me? What tools or resources could I use to learn more about it?”
Notice we do not talk about the transfer of responsibility to and from or suggest that it only goes one way. Between, implies that at times, responsibility rests primarily with the teacher. Other times, responsibility will shift to the student. It is an ongoing exchange, a back and forth that is determined by specific circumstances. The teacher will initially hold most, if not all, of the responsibility but it will begin – at a very young age – to shift between them and the learner so that they start to take ownership in and engage with their learning.
Personalized learning
|