Flipped 3.0 Project Based Learning: An Insanely Simple Guide - Softcover

Jones, Daniel

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0999139711 ISBN 13: 9780999139714

Publisher: FL Global Publishing, 2018

Synopsis

When Project Based Learning (PBL) is paired with Flipped Learning, there is now time to do PBL the right way. PBL is the act of using a project as a learning tool for students to gain understanding as well as express their mastery of the curriculum. Instead of the question being, What is the best instructional model?, the real question is, What is the best use of my face-to-face time with students? The flipped model gives educators the commodity we most long for: TIME. And what does time give us? The opportunity to be consistent and develop a method of instruction with integrity.

About this title

Review

Classroom innovator, Dan Jones' PBL book is a simple guide for anyone who would like to take their Flipped Learning classroom to the next level.  It is a roadmap through which the author skillfully navigates the reader through every leg of the journey. Dan provides a simple definition of PBL, in a language that readers can understand.  Throughout the book, he emphasizes that it is not about the projects but the process of learning; this is an important distinction to make. His discussion of both Flipped Learning and PBL is synchronous, reinforcing the notion that with Flipped Learning, many strategies are made possible.  One of the chapters has the reader looking through the lens of an administrator, which is often a topic neglected when reading about classroom strategies and innovations. Rarely do I read about the perspective of the administrator -- as if they are uninvolved in our classrooms. However, through this chapter, you can see the development of both Flipped Learning and PBL in collaboration with Dan's superintendent, which was based on her research and supported by data. As an educator, I feel the endorsement for both Flipped Learning and PBL is not only important for the book but for educators who are currently implementing or looking to implement these strategies. Throughout the book, Dan brings in other experts in the field to compare and supplement his PBL structure, allowing the reader to see it from different points of view. Chapter 5 is when Dan digs in and uncovers the hidden treasure the reader is waiting for; he describes his project-based classroom step by step.  He provides a thorough flowchart of his FL PBL classroom, which at first glance appears complex; however, he skillfully goes through a detailed description of each component in a way that is simple to follow and makes FL PBL completely accessible. 
Dan culminates the book with practical in-class activity examples.  He gives the reader a ticket for a front row seat into his classroom, providing real samples of student work.  Frequently-asked questions and sample resources Dan uses in his class are in the appendix, providing even more information and inspiration to the reader.
Overall Impression
I believe this book is a quick and easy read, which is perfect for any busy educator.  If you wondered how to create an active environment where students take ownership and how to find the time to do it, this book will help you accomplish both.  Dan demonstrates throughout how Flipped PBL makes a shift from passive to active learning. He does this using a logical step-by-step format, providing visual elements that enhance the understanding of the text; this is especially true of the more complex concepts, such as the structure of his Design Lab.  The QR codes provided, leading the reader to videos of Dan's classroom, were a gold mine; however, with the complexity of the PBL flowchart, Dan could have used the QR codes to link video clips of the process allowing the reader to see it in action. His chapter on creating an active learning environment is full of innovative ideas.
Author Daniel Jones had a mission in writing this book, and that was to provide the reader with a simple guide to begin a Flipped Project Based Learning program in their classroom. Written with educators, and their administrators, in mind, I believe Jones accomplished what he set out to do. Through reading this book, I understand that PBL is an instructional model enhanced by Flipped Learning, using projects as learning tools to gain understanding and show mastery. Projects are the bridge to knowledge, not the final piece of the process. I recommend this book to anyone who is ready to go above and beyond in their Flipped Learning classrooms and let Dan be the bridge to get you there.

-Sue White, FLR Magazine (flr.flglobal.org/?p=7663)

Edition details

• Publisher: FL Global Publishing
• Publication date: 2018
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0999139711
• ISBN 13: 9780999139714
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 115