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I was excited to see that the topic of PBL in nursing education is already being practiced and encouraged!

At TeachThought, we're huge fans of project-based learning. While there is no magic bullet of practice, program, or framework that automatically produces progressive and effective learning, what makes project-based learning exceptional is its flexibility. As it is, first and foremost, simply a curriculum planning tool, so much other "good stuff" that can support learning (game-based learning, learning simulations, place-based education, self-directed learning, etc.)

Good ideas to consider

This study compared 7th and 8th graders' achievement between groups of students who engaged in project-based learning with those who did not. This study is based on Kolb's Experiential Learning Theory, a method of experiential learning that starts with observation and reflections that leads to abstract concepts that lead to new ideas and thinking (Cervantes et al., 2015). The learning cycle, pictured below helps students learn and practice 21st-century learning skills needed for both college and career. The groups that engaged in project-based learning outperformed the groups that did not engage in PBL in both STAAR reading and math tests(Cervantes et al., 2015).

This article from the Journal of STEM Education presents teachers (who don't normally experience what is like to work in fields outside of education) who took part in externships in STEM jobs so they could learn for themselves exactly the types of scenarios their students might encounter. The results drove authenticity in their PBL teaching. I think it's important for teachers to truly understand these demands, and not just read about them. If we provide these contextualized environments for our students because we believe it's best for their learning, why don't we work toward providing those same experiences for ourselves? Bowen, B., & Shume, T. (2018). Educators in Industry: An Exploratory Study to Determine how Teacher Externships Influence K-12 Classroom Practices. Journal of STEM Education, 19(1), 5-10.