What is Project Based Learning?

In Project Based Learning is your opportunity as a teacher to make learning come alive for your students! If you haven't yet checked out my blog, you can see Project Based Learning in action! My very own participation in Project Based Learning has been in this same ICT for Learning and Teaching has been through the form of what we have called our Genius Hour Project. You can more about Genius Hour specifically on my blog, but for now lets talk about the whole process of Project Based Learning in general...

What exactly are we asking our students to do? We are asking them to work on a project over a period of time in our courses that engages them in solving a real-world problem or answering a complex question. In the end, they demonstrate their knowledge by creating a product or presentation to share with others. Some schools might use the term Inquiry Based Learning as well. Projects will encourage collaboration and creativity, and to promote authentic work and assessment. Students also develop meaningful critical thinking and communication skills that they will be able to use across many different parts of their lives.

According to The Buck Institute for Education (BIE), these are six essential elements for a successful learning environment design within Project Based Learning:

• Key Knowledge, Understanding, and Success Skills - The project is focused on student learning goals, including standards-based content and skills such as critical thinking/problem solving, collaboration, and self-management.
• Challenging Problem or Question - The project is framed by a meaningful problem to solve or a question to answer, at the appropriate level of challenge.
• Sustained Inquiry - Students engage in a rigorous, extended process of asking questions, finding resources, and applying information.
• Authenticity - The project features real-world context, tasks and tools, quality standards, or impact – or speaks to students’ personal concerns, interests, and issues in their lives.
• Student Voice & Choice - Students make some decisions about the project, including how they work and what they create.
• Reflection - Students and teachers reflect on learning, the effectiveness of their inquiry and project activities, the quality of student work, obstacles and how to overcome them.
• Critique & Revision - Students give, receive, and use feedback to improve their process and products.
• Public Product - Students make their project work public by explaining, displaying and/or presenting it to people beyond the classroom.