The following Project Based Learning resources can be used in a retail marketing and career exploration classroom in a variety of ways. Many projects follow a Design Thinking Model using problem based learning and a critical thinking map. Here are worksheets on the Design Thinking Model prepared by the KISD Career Readiness Department followed by examples of international PBL for a marketing course.
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One way I incorporate international project based learning in a retail marketing classroom that examines global business practices is by using a PBL method from Ron Berger on “Fostering an Ethic of Excellence” which is found at www.real-projects.org. Before my class attends a working field trip at a clothing store in which they process freight, set up merchandise by following a planogram, and maintain fitting rooms we study UNIQLO Clothing Production and view UNIQLO initiatives from outside the company. This is work done by professionals in the clothing industry and serves as a model of how clothing has the power to change lives from an economical and sustainability standpoint. So before students work in the field they have a global view of the clothing industry. |
Second, I highly recommend using resources from the Buck Institute for Education, www.bie.org. BIE is passionate about implementing project based learning in classrooms of all learning levels. They offer multiple ways for educators to collaborate via conferences, blogs, virtual meetings, and more. I have used essential project design elements from BIE to design units of instruction as my business students are learning about the behind the scenes challenges of setting up an online business using multiple resources, including student leaders from a high level entrepreneurship class at a different school on campus. This has led to great collaboration, more opportunity to build our brand, and a growth in student responsibility. We are at the midpoint of this marketing unit so please check back to follow student progress, assessment, and reflections.
Third, Edutopia is a leader in ways to bring PBL into your classroom. I have used Edutopia resources, PBL Planning: http://www.edutopia.org/blogs/tag/pbl-planning to guide a multifaceted project called, “A Global Business Visit to West Michigan.” As students study the distributor business model they take on the role of an Executive at Amway, headquartered in Ada, MI with locations and distributors in growing global markets. Each student team of three will study one of 100 countries where Amway has top annual sales. They will ultimately host visitors from Amway Global at the Amway world headquarters, planning tours and meetings at the Amway facility, providing experiences for the visitors to experience West Michigan, and host an event where Amway visitors get to meet and discuss business plans with top Amway business distributors from North America.
This fourth PBL resource works well in a business and career exploration classroom as it plays a vital role in all career pathways: project management. A top source I have found for this is www.pmief.org. The importance of helping students develop project management skills strongly connects with global education standards. PMIEF is an innovator in global PBL project management lessons. To connect students in retail marketing and a graphic design course, students in the graphics program have the challenge of designing and building a model replica of a home in a different country using resources of that country. A global education marketing link to this projects entails business students to learn about the real estate market in the country and determine how to price, promote, and sell the home. Student teams create a plan to identify the tasks needed to accomplish the overall objective, manage time and resources efficiently, and communicate with other team members and stakeholders effectively.
A fifth research based source for standards focused project based learning can be found at https://wvde.state.wv.us/teach21/pbl.html. I have used interactive ideas for units of instruction on global business and communications. Students determine the market potential for a good or service in a foreign market. In front of an authentic audience of market researchers students explain how social, cultural, technological and geographic factors influence consumer buying behavior in different countries.
The World Watch Institute focuses on the 21st-century challenges of climate change, resource degradation, population growth, and poverty by developing and disseminating solid data and innovative strategies for achieving a sustainable world. Just two of many notable projects that have international PBL ties in the business classroom include "The Life Cycle of a Plastic Straw, Hidden Consequences to the Environment" http://blogs.worldwatch.org/plastic-straws-a-life-cycle/ and "Transforming Cultures" as outlined below.