Written By: Madeline Nguyen, AUSD Communications Intern
The Ramona Elementary Project-Based Learning (PBL) Showcase marked its third annual opportunity for students from transitional kindergarten through eighth grade to demonstrate knowledge and skills developed throughout the school year.
Each grade level was tasked with answering a unique essential question. For example, eighth-grade students explored how math can be applied to create a community-centered business. They were challenged to develop a business plan that would both serve the community and generate profit. One group of eighth-grade students created a business that offers lessons in important life skills, such as cleaning, tax filing, and other practical tasks. Their goal was to improve the lives of community members while building a successful business. Students collaborated both inside and outside the classroom, finding creative ways to communicate and develop their ideas.
Ramona principal Dr. Debbie Kotani shared that students look forward to participating each year and take pride in creating a strong project alongside their peers. Other creative projects included investing in chip companies, selling slime to support ocean protection efforts, and proposing ice cream bars made with fresh ingredients. Students said they especially enjoyed the project because it gave them the freedom to develop their own ideas and solutions to the essential questions.
While this was the third annual showcase, Ramona’s PBL journey began eight years ago. Dr. Kotani explained that the process started with teacher training, during which staff learned from another PBL-focused school how to build a successful program. The implementation required extensive preparation, trial, and refinement, but the effort paid off.
Ramona’s PBL Showcase is now a highly anticipated event that brings together students, families, and community members while highlighting how Ramona students apply and interpret their learning in meaningful and creative ways.
