Classroom observations
Project Lead the Way at Hamilton Southeastern High School
02/20/07 09:18 PM
Today, I observed some Project
Lead the Way (PLTW) classes at
Hamilton Southeastern High School in Fishers,
IN. It was very interesting to see some of the
projects the students were working on. I observed
four different classes within the
Pathway to Engineering track: 1) Principles of
Engineering, 2) Digital Electronics, 3)
Introduction to Engineering Design, and 4)
Biotechnical Engineering.
However, I found the teachers' reactions the
PLTW curriculum intriguing. I spoke with three
different teachers about their perceptions and
opinions of the program and its curriculum. All of
them felt that the program was well designed and
structured and provided students with skills and
knowledge they could not have received by taking
Wood Shop or Metal Shop. The teacher of the
Biotechnology course felt that the curriculum for
that particular course was a bit underdeveloped and
could be revised to include my hands-on work
instead of spending so much time researching
information.
As for my personal opinions about what I observed I believe that PLTW is a great program. I think that its a step in the right direction towards preparing students for careers in engineering and technology. As part of the coursework for ITEDU 396, I have been learning about the PLTW mission, goals, and curriculum. I realize that the program does require a huge investment of time, money, and resources. For the schools that can afford this type of "department upgrade" this is a great option. However, I know that this program would not stand a chance of being implemented, let alone considered, in the high school that I attended.
One of the teachers made the comment that some people question whether PLTW is actually helping students overall. PLTW takes the place of the traditional technology education (industrial arts/technology) courses such as Wood Shop and Metals Shop. Some students may find those traditional courses more interesting and applicable to their career goals. On the other hand, some students may find PLTW more beneficial to them. I know that you aren't going to be able to please everybody all the time. And you are inadvertently leave a group out. However, given the current direction of technology, industry, and world commerce, I believe that PLTW has a great start.
You can find out more about Project Lead the Way by visiting their website at www.pltw.org.
As for my personal opinions about what I observed I believe that PLTW is a great program. I think that its a step in the right direction towards preparing students for careers in engineering and technology. As part of the coursework for ITEDU 396, I have been learning about the PLTW mission, goals, and curriculum. I realize that the program does require a huge investment of time, money, and resources. For the schools that can afford this type of "department upgrade" this is a great option. However, I know that this program would not stand a chance of being implemented, let alone considered, in the high school that I attended.
One of the teachers made the comment that some people question whether PLTW is actually helping students overall. PLTW takes the place of the traditional technology education (industrial arts/technology) courses such as Wood Shop and Metals Shop. Some students may find those traditional courses more interesting and applicable to their career goals. On the other hand, some students may find PLTW more beneficial to them. I know that you aren't going to be able to please everybody all the time. And you are inadvertently leave a group out. However, given the current direction of technology, industry, and world commerce, I believe that PLTW has a great start.
You can find out more about Project Lead the Way by visiting their website at www.pltw.org.
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