“We do not learn from experience… we learn from reflecting on experience.”
-John Dewey
Presentations of Learning (PoLs) provide a rich opportunity for cross-disciplinary, summative assessment while developing students’ abilities to reflect meaningfully on their work. As such, PoLs are a key ingredient in deep, project-based learning.
Innovation Lab students prepare full-length summative Presentations of Learning each spring through which they reflect, both in writing and in panel discussions, on their growth and learning. To prepare for their PoLs, students analyze the academic, personal, and interpersonal capacities articulated in the Greenwich Public Schools Vision of the Graduate to reflect upon areas of strength and areas for growth as demonstrated using specific examples from their project work in both STEM and Humanities courses. Project-specific “mini-PoLs” are also used throughout the year to help prepare students for their end-of-the-year summative experience, following a condensed format.
Presentations of Learning Resources
Innovation Lab PoLs workshops
PoLs at NEASC CPS Showcase of Model School Programs Conference
PoLs at the Deeper Learning Conference
Innovation Lab Video examples
Presentation of Learning Highlights:
Innovation Lab Written Reflection examples
Sample 1 – PoLs Written Reflection (212 level)
Sample 2 – PoLs Written Reflection (212 level)
Sample 3 – PoLs Written Reflection (213 level)
Sample 4 – PoLs Written Reflection (213 level)
Sample instruction documents and rubrics
Sophomore Year – Presentations of Learning (PoLs) Instructions
Junior Year – Presentations of Learning (PoLs) Instructions
Junior PoLs – Preparation for PoLs: Vision of the Graduate Capacities and Evidence
GHS Innovation Lab: Rubric for PoLs Oral Presentation
GHS Innovation Lab: Rubric for P0Ls Written Analysis
GHS Innovation Lab: Rubric for PoLs Written Analysis Copy for Students
GHS Innovation Lab: National History Day 2017 – Mini-PoL Written Reflection
Other great examples of, and resources for, PoLs
Student Made Videos as POLs: High Tech High App: HTH students made this video as a PoL describing their creation of an app.
Video: Presentations Of Learning at High Tech High: Rob Riordan facilitates an examination of PoL videos and rubrics at a HTH Chula Vista faculty meeting
Video: IOL (Interview of Learning) 9th Grade Multimedia: An interesting alternative, an online interview version of a PoL, as from a HTH multimedia course
Overview of PoLs at Eagle Rock School: Another school’s approach to and description of their PoLs
Project-Based Learning and Presentations: An analysis of the difference between a “presentation” and a “presentation of learning” with practical tips on how to make the shift
GHS Innovation Lab 