Paige Hill Cochran
Region 1
Professional Article Summary
Find a minimum of five professional articles that report on research conducted about or around your
topic. First, write the reference using APA format. Second, tell what the study was about
(approximately 150 words) and third, explain why this study is relevant to the study you plan to conduct
(approximately 150 words). When you have completed analyzing the articles, write a summary of what
you found.
Articles
Reference (APA format):
Larmer, J. & Mergendoller, J. (2010). Seven essentials for project-based learning. Educational
Leadership, 68(1), 34-37.
What this study was about: According to Larmer and Mergerndoller (2010), PjBL has seven
essential elements: a need to know, a driving question, student voice and choice, twenty-first
century skills, inquiry and innovation, feedback and revision, and finally a presented project (p.
2-5).
Why this is Relevant to my Study: I will be utilizing this format for the basis of the unit for my
study. “A Need to Know represents students’ drive to want to learn. This is activated by an
“entry event” which is meant to enthrall students’ interest in the topic area/problem. “A Driving
Question” should be open-ended and multifaceted. This is connected to the problem. “Student
Voice and Choice” are key factors in making the project meaningful to students. They can
choose anything from their focus to their style of presentation. “Twenty-first Century Skills”,
which are emphasized constantly in our schools, are utilized in project-based learning through
collaboration and the use of technology. “Inquiry and Innovation” are crucial elements in PjBL.
Students use inquiry to come up with an innovative idea. It begins with students’ questions, then
the students research answers to those questions, followed by new questions that the students
generate. Once students have answered those questions, they finally draw conclusions.
“Feedback and Revision” insures students produce high-quality projects. Students are given the
chance to redo any mistakes and rethink ideas. Lastly, a “Publicly Presented Project” gives
students the opportunity to present their project to an audience, instead of just submitting it for a
grade. Students take pride in their learning and share it with others.
Reference (APA format):
Alacapinar, F. (2008). Effectiveness of project-based learning. Eurasian Journal of Educational
Research, 17.
What this study was about: It sought to answer the question- does the delivery of a course
through project-based learning affect students’ opinions on their learning? It states that the most
important aspect of PBL is the formation of creative thinking. In this study, one group
participated in PBL and the control group did not. Scores were significantly higher in the PBL
Paige Hill Cochran
Region 1
group. Students in the PBL groups found to have enhanced creativity, acquired a higher level of
information, and built better relationships with their classmates.
Why this is Relevant to my Study: This study found that not only did students’ informational
skills improve when they participated in PjBL, as proven in the high growth between the preand post-tests, but also students exhibited higher self-confidence and better friendships. This
educational technique improved their creativity, gave them advanced information and skills, and
instilled pride in them by working collaborative within a given timeframe to reach a common
goal. These are the types of results I am hoping for. While I realize this is a bias, I truly think this
is a beneficial way for gifted students to learn. The problem becomes when my students are
uncomfortable with PBL. Students are used to sitting in a desk, taking notes and answering
questions. Now, when I ask them to research, come up with questions, build things and present
they become unsure of themselves and often shut down. It is my job to reassure them and guide
them along the way.
Reference (APA format):
Chval, K. & Davis, J. (2008). The gifted student. Mathematics Teaching in the Middle School,
14(5), 269.
What this study was about: This survey confirmed that gifted students are not given enough
attention in the regular education classroom. When polled about their education, gifted students
ranked the following as the most important aspects: respect, engagement, challenge, the
opportunity for creativity and flexibility.
Why this is Relevant to my Study: It confirms that Project-based Learning will better meet the
needs of gifted learners. It gives them a choice in how they learn, challenges them to think
differently about their learning, teaches them respect for one another by working collaboratively
and respect for themselves when they present.
Reference (APA format):
Siegle, D. & McCoach, B. (2005). Making a difference: Motivating gifted students who are not
achieving. Teaching Exceptional Children, Vol. 38(1), p. 22-27
What this study was about: This article examines the motivation of gifted students. There are
four underlying reasons why gifted students demonstrate low levels of achievement: masking a
bigger issue (such as a disability), a mismatch between the student and their environment,
students’ attitudes about themselves or school, and a lack self-regulation and study skills. Some
gifted students simply do not value school or grades. They often are misunderstood and can even
be thought of as “slow”. On the other hand, many students labeled as gifted simply value the
reward of good grades or praise. They strive for that instead of learning. The article also talks
about using intrinsic motivation vs. extrinsic. It also provides tips for self-regulation, ways to
enhance environmental perceptions, recognize growth and help with study skills.
Paige Hill Cochran
Region 1
Why this is Relevant to my Study: Feedback is a key motivator for gifted students. Therefore, I
need to keep that in mind when having students participate in PBL. Specific and prompt
feedback is one of the best ways to keep gifted students engaged. Instead of saying “good job”
we should tell students specifically what they did well on and what they can work on. Giving
students praise when they didn’t earn it though can be very detrimental. Offering a choice is way
to incorporate intrinsic motivation. If a student is truly interested in the topic, they will value the
knowledge they gain and not just the grade. It also states that short-term goals are important for
students to feel successful and keep them on track when completing a larger project.
Reference (APA format):
Schwalm, J., & Tylek, K. (2012). Systemwide Implementation of Project-Based Learning: The
Philadelphia Approach. Afterschool Matters, (15), 1-8.
What this study was about: Philadelphia OST (out of school time) programs implemented PBL
throughout their entire system. They worked with students of all ages and provided professional
development for leaders. They suggested incorporating PBL into the goals and curriculum
already established. They also noted that proper training was crucial to an effective PBL
program. Some of the issues they had involved a lack of time. Typical after school programs help
with homework, offer a snack and exercise. Squeezing all of that and PBL into an afternoon
before the students are picked up seemed like an impossible task for the directors. Parents also
had issues with the PBL because it meant less time for the above mentioned activities.
Why this is Relevant to my Study: This study reinforced a couple of ideas for me. I need to
very well-trained in PBL. So prior to completing my study, I plan to watch videos about proper
implementation. In the article, it stated that the Philadelphia OST program had videos on its blog,
so I am going to try those out in addition to other that I can find online. I would love to attend an
in-person workshop as well. It also reiterated that PBL should focus on students’ interests.
Students should feel that they have ownership over their learning. The issue becomes balancing
the students’ interests and the curriculum that they must master that year.
Big Take-aways: Overall Conclusions to Inform my Project
(What have you learned from these articles you have read that is relevant to you and your work?)
Prior to starting my study, I am going to partake in several professional development
experiences to solidify my knowledge about PBL. Proper training is key in getting good
results.
2. PBL works on skills that can’t always be measured with a test. Some of the 21st century
skills such as collaboration, research and high-order thinking can’t be graded in the sense
that we are accustomed to. While learning the curriculum is vital, these other skills will
follow students the rest of their lives.
3. Create short-term goals for students throughout their projects. This ensures that they are
staying on task and completing their work to the best of their abilities.
1.
Paige Hill Cochran
Region 1
4.
Gifted students learn best when they feel like they have a choice in their learning.
Emphasizing that aspect of PBL should bring positive results.