Reinventing a Public High School with Problem-Based Learning

TL;DR

Sammamish High School implements problem-based learning to create an engaging and authentic learning environment for students.

Transcript

Hi, I'm Tom Duenwald, I'm principal of Sammamish High School. >>When I first came here as principal Sammamish was in a place of declining enrollment. Things weren't working, the staff came together and was thinking about, "Well, what could we do to take Sammamish to the next level and really serve our students?" >>Adrienne: We have been fortunate... Read More

Key Insights

• 🧑‍🎓 Problem-based learning provides a more engaging and authentic learning experience for students.
• ❓ Collaborative learning promotes deeper understanding and retention of content.
• 🧑‍🏫 Teachers benefit from dedicated professional development time to create effective curriculum.
• 💦 Problem-based learning helps students develop important skills for the future work world.
• 😫 Sammamish High School's implementation of problem-based learning sets it apart from other schools in the country.
• 🧑‍🎓 Giving students a choice in learning promotes a better understanding of the material.
• 🧑‍🎓 Problem-based learning encourages student ownership of their learning.

Questions & Answers

Q: What is problem-based learning?

Problem-based learning is a teaching approach in which students actively collaborate to solve real-world problems, promoting critical thinking and deeper understanding of content.

Q: How does problem-based learning benefit students?

Problem-based learning engages students in authentic and meaningful tasks, allowing them to develop problem-solving, teamwork, and communication skills. It also promotes deeper understanding and retention of content.

Q: How is Sammamish High School implementing problem-based learning?

Sammamish High School has undergone a significant shift from traditional teacher-centered classrooms to teacher-facilitated problem-based learning. Teachers are provided with professional development time to collaborate and create curriculum that aligns with best teaching practices.

Q: How does problem-based learning prepare students for the future?

By engaging students in real-world challenges, problem-based learning prepares them for the future work world by developing critical thinking, creativity, collaboration, and communication skills, which are highly valued in the 21st century.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• Sammamish High School was facing declining enrollment and decided to implement problem-based learning (PBL) to improve student engagement and learning outcomes.

• PBL involves students actively working together to solve real-world problems, promoting ownership and deeper understanding of content.

• The school has dedicated professional development time for teachers to collaborate and create curriculum that aligns with best teaching practices.