Dear Parent,

We are writing to tell you about an exciting global project we are about to do in our class this school year.

As you might know, in our school we use the teaching method of Project Based Learning, or PBL and Connections-Based Learning, or CBL, to help our students learn more effectively.  A global collaborative project motivates students to gain knowledge, and they remember it longer. Projects give students the chance to apply the skills they learn in school to real-world situations later on in their adult life. Your child also learns skills in PBL (Problem Based Learning) and CBL (Connections Based Learning) such as how to think critically, solve problems, work in teams, and make presentations. These skills will help students succeed in the future, both in school and in today’s work world.

Our project is called Be the Change, Take the Challenge and it will last about eight months.  Students will learn about the Sustainable Development Goals and the importance of networking using skills relevant in the 21st century classroom. The project’s main aim is to show students the power of collaboration and make them aware of global issues. Students will be involved in:

• Researching on the Internet;
• Interviewing community members and experts online;
• Preparing oral presentations;
• Creating shareable materials.

Your child will work in a team, guided by me and other educators. We will be working with more than 50 partners from all over the world.

At the end of the project students will make presentations that will be shared online. This presentation will take place in March/April 2018.

Students will be assessed individually on their content knowledge, their collaboration skills, and their presentation skills. I have attached the rubrics we will use to guide the creation of final product and assess students’ work. You may find these helpful in understanding what we are asking students to do, and supporting your child during the project. As parents, you can discuss the project at home, encouraging your child to think hard and help your child find solutions to problems they have selected to work on this year. You can also support the project by taking your child for a trip or sharing your knowledge with him. It is our strong belief that parents should be involved in their child’s education and that is why we have decided to let you know about our global project.

Please do not hesitate to contact us if you have any questions about the project!