What is Project-Based Learning? Project-Based Learning (PBL) is an innovative teaching approach designed for the 21st century learner to drive their own learning through investigation, while responding to an authentic, engaging question or challenge. PBL serves as an instructional framework focusing on students' learning goals and standards-based content and skills. (BIE, 2017) By centering Project-Based Learning around an engaging question or challenge, students activate the Design Thinking process.
Project-Based Learning allows teachers to:
Differentiate instruction
Provide meaningful instruction through hands-on opportunities
Personalize students’ learning
Integrate various tools & technologies
Increase student engagement while addressing the State & Common Core Standards
Assess students’ learning
Project-Based Learning allows students to:
Engage in inquiry
Problem solve and think critically
Collaborate and work together
Have voice and choice to demonstrate their learning
Showcase knowledge through a personalized learning experience
Have ownership of their learning
Make meaningful real-world connections
Where do I begin? The shift in education to provide students more learning opportunities to collaborate, create, design, make and explore the curriculum and their interest, has opened the window of opportunities for teachers to integrate Project-Based Learning & Design Thinking in their classrooms. While exploring your curriculum and standards, look at one topic that you can replace or revamp with Project-Based Learning. This may be an assignment, lesson, assessment or even an outdated project. Design your PBL initiative around the standards that need to be addressed and the acquisition skills you want your students to be able to do. Feel free to use one or more of the tools below to help get started.