Podcast

Project-based learning is a dynamic approach that evolves with the needs of your students and subject matter. Stay open to experimentation, collaboration with colleagues, and ongoing professional development to refine and enhance your implementation of project-based learning in the classroom. I believe that the first thing a teacher must do to implement PBL in their lessons is to start with clear learning goals. It is important to clearly define the learning objectives and standards that you want students to achieve through the project. In the class I teach at ATU-Ozark, I strive to make sure students know how a project aligns with the program’s curriculum to ensure it integrates essential content and skills. Basically, I want to provide the “why” upfront so students go into an assignment understanding the significance (it’s not just busy work.) Next, I try to foster student choice and ownership. Their big project is an investigation and presentation over a leader. I provide opportunities for students to have agency and make decisions within the project. They are allowed to choose the leader that they want to research and they are allowed to choose how they present their final report (research paper vs. presentation). This gives them the opportunity to choose topics, design project plans, and make meaningful choices that align with their interests and abilities. This project is also a group project. Promoting collaboration and teamwork by assigning group projects or creating opportunities for students to work together, encourages effective communication, division of tasks, and shared responsibility among team members. This project also connects students to real-world contexts – which is another PBL concept. This helps students see the relevance of their project by connecting it to real-world contexts or issues. Show them how the skills and knowledge they acquire can be applied outside the classroom, fostering a sense of purpose and engagement. Finally, I use reflection and adaptation. I continuously reflect on the effectiveness of project-based learning in my class. I will collect feedback from students, observe their engagement, and adjust as needed. It is important to embrace flexibility and adapt projects based on student needs and interests.