Project-Based Learning (PBL)

PBL (Project-Based Learning or Problem-Based Learning) eliminates the question, “When would I use this in the real world?”.

That alone makes it worth investigating.

Like any other instructional method, PBL should be applied carefully. It requires extra planning, but can yield richer learning and more efficient use of precious instructional time.

Working and sharing with colleagues, either locally or at remote sites, can make a big difference.

Another alternative approach to science curricula, in particular, is event-based science for very young students. Weather, current discoveries, etc. are harnessed as triggers for in-depth study.

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25 Questions to Guide Teaching With Project-Based Learning

I’ve been thinking of the kinds of questions I consider when planning a project–or planning a unit when students plan a project on their own. There’s a lot to consider here–so much so that 12 isn’t even close to enough, but that’s because I tend to over-complicate things (so my kids tell me). I”ll stick…  learn more

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6 Strategies for Differentiated Instruction in Project-Based Learning

Project-based learning (PBL) naturally lends itself to differentiated instruction. By design, it is student-centered and student-driven, and it gives space for teachers to meet the needs of students in a variety of ways. PBL can allow for effective differentiation in assessment as well as daily management and instruction. Updated January 8, 2016  learn more

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Authenticity: How to Move Projects from Engaging to Empowering

In my work with schools that are implementing Project Based Learning, I often hear teachers and leaders ask, “How authentic is our PBL?”. At the root of this question is the nebulousness of the term. “Authentic Learning” is one of those terms that gets tossed around a lot in education. In order for us to…  learn more

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Creative Educator: Project-based Learning

Creative Educator focuses on effective ideas and strategies to foster creativity and engage students in the curriculum. Articles are designed to provide you with an informed and diverse view of today’s educational technology field, including fresh ideas about project-based learning, classroom management, and creativity. The classroom stories illustrate how educators are already utilizing creativity tools…  learn more

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Exploring Realistic Fiction Project Based Learning Unit

Develop characters and a setting for a realistic fiction story, create puppets and design a poster to represent them, complete a story map and write a draft using dialogue and sequence words, learn the review and edit process before writing a realistic fiction story, and turning it into a puppet show to present to the…  learn more

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Five Keys to PBL

Well-designed project-based learning (PBL) has been shown to result in deeper learning and more engaged, self-directed learners. This video from Edutopia outlines five core elements of successful PBL... Has real world connections, Is core to learning, Implements structured collaboration, Is student driven, and Has ongoing, multifaceted assessment.  learn more

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PBL - Best Practices

This page highlights PBL resources to help you in your efforts to create great learning opportunities for your students.  learn more

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PBL Blog Posts: How-to Tips and Tools

Our exclusive focus is Project Based Learning. Why? Because PBL advances educational equity and empowers youth furthest from opportunity. We believe PBL is transformative for all kids. Through PBL, students engage in learning that is deep, long-lasting, and relevant to the challenges of their lives and the world they will inherit. Our services, tools, and research are designed to…  learn more

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PBLWorks

The Buck Institute for Education shows teachers how to use Project Based Learning in all grade levels and subject areas. Their goal is to help teachers prepare students for successful lives. The offer a wide variety of resources and services to help teachers, schools and districts implement PBL successfully. A go-to-first resource.  learn more

Planning a PBL: Design Thinking Backwards Planning for Teachers

Design thinking backwards planning is a way for teachers to plan a unit or project with the end in mind. Design thinking is an iterative process focused on a solution-based approach to learning, where the teacher is focused on recognizing student needs, supporting students as they challenge assumptions, and helping students prototype, test, and revise new solutions. Using backwards planning, teachers first decide what the end goal or product is and then work backwards to create a plan to move the students towards that end goal or product. By working backwards,…  learn more

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Problem-Based Learning: An Introduction

This introduction to Project Based Learning looks at what it does, what it is, its historical origins and PBL's roles and procedures.  learn more

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Project-Based Learning: Everything You Need to Know

Project-based learning features students developing comprehensive projects instead of just answers. This form of learning often takes more time (can take several weeks) than the problem-based learning approach and is really comprehensive. As such, project-based learning is usually intended to challenge students more than the former approach. MATTHEW LYNCH  AUGUST 21, 2022  learn more

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Ready-To-Teach Project-Based Learning

All units are complete and ready to teach, with no prep, no hassle, and no need to spend time building background knowledge. Each PBL unit includes everything you need to do meaningful, inquiry-based PBL that will engage students and give them real-world learning opportunities.    learn more

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TeachersFirst's Project-Based Learning

Project-based learning is a dynamic teaching method that encourages students to gain knowledge by working to actively explore problems and investigate authentic and complex questions or challenges. This curated list includes project-based learning resources for all grades.  learn more

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What is Project-Based Learning?

Tech & Learning Project-based learning (PBL) centers the learning around students meeting class objectives by engaging in practical real-world experiences that foster engagement. Below is everything you need to know about project-based learning as a new or veteran teacher looking to better understand this important pedagogy. Erik OfgangSept. 2022  learn more