"What is it? Here's an article by BIE, updated from its original appearance in the September 2010 issue of Educational Leadership magazine from ASCD. Good for general audiences as well as educators, it explains the essential elements that make rigorous PBL different from "doing projects."
Why do we like it? This article was written because some teachers say they "do projects" already (so why learn more about PBL) and some educators and members of the general public may have negative stereotypes of PBL as merely a "fun" or "hands-on" activity.
How can you use it? Share this article with anyone, from teachers to parents to administrators, to explain PBL and provide a common framework for projects. The 8 Essential Elements are the basis of BIE's Project Design Rubric and PBL 101 Workshop."
We have assembled a wide array of PBL-related resources created by BIE and collected from fellow PBL travelers. The resources are organized into three broad categories: things to read, to watch, or to interact with.
If you would like to take a Do-It-Yourself (DIY) approach to learning about PBL, then check out the recommend resources for teachers, coaches, principals, and district leaders. The featured resources have a note on "How Can You Use It?" We also suggest starting your DIY experience by purchasing one of BIE's books.
Within our project design, reflection is a key element that helps us support students as they work to understand the why, what, and how of their learning within the project.
solve problems like those faced by people in the world outside of school (
eal-world processes, tasks and tools, and performance standards,
address a need in their school or community
own concerns, interests, cultures,
Student Voice & Choice
Students can have input and (some) control over many aspects of a project, from the questions they generate, to the resources they will use to find answers to their questions, to the tasks and roles they will take on as team members, to the products they will create
Reflection
We do not learn from experience. We learn from reflecting on experience.
Critique & Revision
ddition to peers and teachers, outside adults and experts can also contribute to the critique process, bringing an authentic, real-world point of view.
product” can be a tangible thing, or it can be a presentation of a solution to a problem or answer to a driving question.
resent or display their work to an audience beyond the classroom, the performance bar raises, since no one wants to look bad in public
aking student work public is an effective way to communicate with parents, community members, and the wider world about what PBL is and what it does for students.
people need to be able to think critically and solve problems,
In Project Based Learning (PBL), students go through an extended process of inquiry in response to a complex question, problem, or challenge. Rigorous projects help students learn key academic content and practice 21st Century Skills (such as collaboration, communication & critical thinking).
I've been using this site with a secondary ed class I'm teaching this summer. Lots of great information here! I took their PBL 101 course and really enjoyed it.
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