The Project-Based Learning series offers an in-depth exploration of what Project-Based Learning is and how it supports student learning in powerful ways.
What is Project-Based Learning? When is it appropriate to use project-based learning in the classroom? How can PBL be applied in virtual learning settings?
What are the role(s) of teacher and student throughout the PBL experience, and what opportunities for collaboration exist?
How do I begin to design a project-based learning experience for my content area? What are the essential components of a quality PBL project?
Where can I learn more about PBL, including high-quality reads and resources?
Read the series Introduction and Key Questions to Consider.
This series is organized by Explore - Create - Reflect tasks. We recommend you work through the Explore content before moving to the creation and reflection stages.
Read text-based content, including any linked articles and embedded content.
View series videos. If you've already watched the session on demand or attended live in the spring, rewatch the sections of the video(s) where you may need to review ideas, and/or spend time implementing the ideas shared in the videos by designing instructional materials lesson plans, and/or student activities.
Use the series checklist to track your progress through the series.
Complete the Reflection activity via the Padlet link provided at the end of the series.
You have the option of submitting 2 forms at the conclusion of your work: a) the form to receive your certificate & badge and b) the Act 48 hours request form.
To track your progress while working through the series, use this checklist. At series completion (when you've worked through as many sections of the series as appropriate for your role and needs), submit this form along with your completed checklist for a certificate with badge!
Note: This is not the Act 48 hours submission.
Please carefully review the Act 48 information on this page.
Completion of the Project-Based Learning series is worth 8 hours. 3 additional hours are available for educators who submit evidence of learning artifacts. Please do not submit the Act 48 request form until all hours for the series are completed.
As John shares his thoughts on PBL, what did you notice? What did you wonder?
Next, read John's post, The Seven Biggest Lies that Keep Teachers from Implementing Project-Based Learning. Do you agree? Why or why not?
Curious about how Project-Based Learning can be incorporated in virtual learning environments? Please view Tim Matlack's presentation, Project Based Learning in Virtual Environments, to learn more. -->
Also reference Tim's resource slides and this PBL for Remote Learning resource.
Boss, author of Bringing Innovation to School: Empowering Students in a Thriving World, is featured in the next video.
Create an account with PBLWorks.org in order to access many of their specific resources referenced in the next section of this series.
Read What is PBL? from PBLWorks.org
Read Gold Standard PBL: Essential Project Design Elements. Is it necessary for a PBL project to contain every element? Why or why not?
See also: 21st-Century Literacy Skills: Designing PBL Projects to Increase Student Literacy
"Teachers who make Project Based Learning a regular part of their teaching enjoy their new role, although for some it might take time to adjust from traditional practice."
So... what does the shift in teaching practices look like when you facilitate project-based learning environments? Read Project Based Teaching Practices via PBLWorks.
Which of these shifts will be easiest for you? Which will be most difficult? Explain why.
Take some time to carefully read through each scenario and the details of the projects.
What do you notice? Consider not just the scope of the project itself, but the teacher and student roles, the learning environment, and the shift in agency.
Choose at least 2 videos in this YouTube playlist to watch and learn about project components and how learning is brought to life through these experiences.
Then, browse the ideas in the categories below and find project ideas that are relevant to your grade level/content area(s).
YouTube playlist viewing tip: Click the triple lines w/play arrow, top right, to scroll down the list of titles included in this playlist!
If you're looking to transform some of your traditional content units into more inquiry-based, student-driven learning explorations, check out the resources below. Utilize a PBL template (or another planning template you find helpful) to begin.
Consult the Essential Project Design Elements checklist from PBL Works.
Project Planner from PBLWorks.org and as PDF
Resources and Tools for PBL Start to Finish - includes templates, rubrics, and example projects
See Pick a Project from the Buck Institute - customize for your own use
Note: It will be most beneficial for you to approach this planning with a peer or team of colleagues. Transitioning to PBL does require dedication, thoughtful planning, and willingness to experiment in order to maximize outcomes for students, but, when done well, it's beyond meaningful for both teachers and students!
Consider a unit or lesson project that could be transformed through the use of inquiry and project-based learning. It's time to think, plan, and do!
Where will you begin to create the conditions necessary for the shift to inquiry and increased student agency in learning?
What are your fears moving forward? What are you most excited about moving to more PBL experiences for learners?
Hacking Project Based Learning by Ross Cooper & Erin Murphy
How to Create a Project Based Learning Lesson by Jennifer Gonzalez