Exploring South Dakota through Project-Based Leaning includes 50 well-thought-out projects designed for grades 3-5. In assigning your students projects that dig into South DakotaÕs geography, history, government, economy, current events, and famous people, you will deepen their appreciation and understanding of South Dakota while simultaneously improving their analytical skills and ability to recognize patterns and big-picture themes. Project-based learning today is much different than the craft-heavy classroom activities popular in the past. Inquiry, planning, research, collaboration, and analysis are key components of project-based learning activities today. However, that doesnÕt mean creativity, individual expression, and fun are out. They definitely arenÕt! Each project is designed to help students gain important knowledge and skills that are derived from standards and key concepts at the heart of academic subject areas. Students are asked to analyze and solve problems, to gather and interpret data, to develop and evaluate solutions, to support their answers with evidence, to think critically in a sustained way, and to use their newfound knowledge to formulate new questions worthy of exploring. While some projects are more complex and take longer than others, they all are set up in the same structure. Each begins with the central project-driving questions, proceeds through research and supportive questions, has the student choose a presentation option, and ends with a broader-view inquiry. Rubrics for reflection and assessments are included, too. This consistent framework will make it easier for you assign projects and for your students to follow along and consistently meet expectations. Encourage your students to take charge of their projects as much as possible. As a teacher, you can act as a facilitator and guide. The projects are structured such that students can often work through the process on their own or through cooperation with their classmates.

Exploring North Dakota through Project-Based Leaning includes 50 well-thought-out projects designed for grades 3-5. In assigning your students projects that dig into North DakotaÕs geography, history, government, economy, current events, and famous people, you will deepen their appreciation and understanding of North Dakota while simultaneously improving their analytical skills and ability to recognize patterns and big-picture themes. Project-based learning today is much different than the craft-heavy classroom activities popular in the past. Inquiry, planning, research, collaboration, and analysis are key components of project-based learning activities today. However, that doesnÕt mean creativity, individual expression, and fun are out. They definitely arenÕt! Each project is designed to help students gain important knowledge and skills that are derived from standards and key concepts at the heart of academic subject areas. Students are asked to analyze and solve problems, to gather and interpret data, to develop and evaluate solutions, to support their answers with evidence, to think critically in a sustained way, and to use their newfound knowledge to formulate new questions worthy of exploring. While some projects are more complex and take longer than others, they all are set up in the same structure. Each begins with the central project-driving questions, proceeds through research and supportive questions, has the student choose a presentation option, and ends with a broader-view inquiry. Rubrics for reflection and assessments are included, too. This consistent framework will make it easier for you assign projects and for your students to follow along and consistently meet expectations. Encourage your students to take charge of their projects as much as possible. As a teacher, you can act as a facilitator and guide. The projects are structured such that students can often work through the process on their own or through cooperation with their classmates.

Project Based Learning in Real World U.S. History Classrooms demonstrates how a project based learning approach can enrich and enliven the learning and teaching of U.S. history for middle and secondary level students. It offers rich, pedagogically innovative, and academically rigorous project based learning units that can help students connect with and deeply understand key events and trends in U.S. history. For each major topic that is covered in U.S. history classrooms, this volume shows how rich historical material can be made accessible and exciting to a wide range of student learners using projects that engage them critically, imaginatively, and analytically. This book is essential reading for pre-service and practicing teachers in Social Studies Education, History Education, and Secondary Education.

This book provides actionable insights and strategies to help address the student retention problem that has plagued higher education. Designed for faculty, this book reframes the common question, “Why do students leave and how can we fix it?” to “What if we made sure that every student had a compelling reason to stay?” Drawing upon the Gallup-Purdue “Big Six,” – six key experiences in undergraduate education that influence graduates’ well-being – Teaching for Retention outlines incremental action steps and strategies that every faculty member can implement on their own, without seeking administrative approval or waiting for institutional initiatives. This exciting book is designed for any faculty member who wants to increase students’ engagement in learning and motivation, and ultimately support students in completing their degree programs successfully. Support material includes workshop facilitator notes, lesson plans, presentation slides, and participant workbook. These materials are available at www.routledge.com/9781032811833