Lecture Notes: Project-Based Learning and 21st Century Skills

Historical Context: Christopher Columbus

• Date of Departure: August 3, 1492
• Initial Route: Sailed southward with strong winds, then headed southwest towards Canaries
• Logbook Entry Example:
  • August 6, 1492: Pinta's rudder broke, suspected sabotage by ship’s owner
• Purpose of Logbook: Document daily events and learning experiences during the journey

The Concept of a Captain's Logbook

• 15th Century: Columbus’ logbook as a tool for project-based learning
• 24th Century: Captain Picard (Star Trek) also maintains a logbook
• Relevance in 21st Century: Importance of maintaining a logbook for personal development and learning

Project-Based Learning Explained

• Definition: Learning by actively engaging in projects and documenting the process
• Approach: Start with a question/problem, find answers, write them down
• Example: Navigate by stars and document findings

Skills for the 21st Century

• Key Skills (referred to as the 4Cs in English, translated to 4Ys in Turkish):
  • Create (Yaratmak/Yazmak): Start by writing ideas
  • Circulate (Yaymak): Share and publish your work
  • Connect (Yeniden bağlamak): Create connections between different concepts
  • Collaborate (Yardımlaşmak): Work together with others

Developing a Project for Skill Building

• Idea: Develop a summer project to enhance 21st-century skills
• How to Implement:
  • Create and publish content regularly (e.g., blog, podcast)
  • Use tools like Notion for organizing and sharing content
• Tool Example: Notion allows for publishing pages as websites and adding dynamic content

Practical Application Example

• Project for Students: Write and publish book reviews weekly
  • Duration: July and August (2 months)
  • Frequency: One article per week
  • Output: Skill acquisition through project-based learning
• Benefits: Developing and committing to a project helps maintain engagement and learn new skills

Setting a Deadline and Next Steps

• Launch Date: July 14, 2024
• Deadline: August 3rd (Columbus' departure anniversary)
• Tasks: Start a logbook, document observations and learnings, personalize and publish
• Goal: Develop a habit of documenting and sharing work to enhance learning and collaboration

Summary

• Benefits of Keeping a Logbook: Organize knowledge, enhance learning through documentation, develop essential 21st-century skills
• 21st Century Skills: Creativity, Circulation, Connection, and Collaboration
• Call to Action: Start your own logbook project to navigate the digital seas effectively.