A few weeks ago I began writing about the impact that design thinking can have on project-based learning, particularly in terms of taking PBL from theory to actual classroom practice. In this post, I’ll share three design methods that encourage convergent thinking, or determining which ideas are best suited to solve a given problem. Be […]
Three Design Methods to Spark Student Brainstorming (Part IV of a series)
A few weeks ago I began writing about the impact that design thinking can have on project-based learning, particularly in terms of taking PBL from theory to actual classroom practice. In this post, I’ll share three design methods that encourage divergent thinking, or broad brainstorming. Be sure to check out the explainer videos for step-by-step […]
Two Design Methods to Jumpstart Student Research (Part III of a series)
I recently began writing about the impact that design thinking can have on project-based learning, particularly in terms of taking PBL from theory to actual classroom practice. In this post, I’ll share two design methods that pair well together for student project research. Be sure to check out the explainer videos for step-by-step tutorials! Method […]
Two Design Methods to Bolster Student Feedback Sessions (Part II of a series)
Last week I began writing about the impact that design thinking can have on project-based learning, particularly in terms of taking PBL from theory to actual classroom practice. Here are two favorite methods to support the feedback and revision phase of your projects. Be sure to check out the explainer videos for a step-by-step tutorial! […]
Design Thinking: Bridging the Gap in PBL Theory & Practice (Part I of a series)
Project-based learning always sounds great in theory. But as many of us know, it doesn’t actually stick when it comes time to change instruction. One reason is that we often don’t bridge the gap between theory and actual practice. The first time I learned about PBL, I was sold. Period. And then I had no […]
5 PBL Do’s and Don’ts for Administrators
We’ve had the privilege to work with hundreds of PBL educators across many school systems; here are a few pieces of advice for any administrators who want to embed project-based learning into their schools: Do’s Start by educating yourself about PBL. This will demonstrate your commitment to the work while making you better equipped to […]
Creating a PBL Rubric? Advice Part II
In case my last post on rubrics wasn’t exhilarating enough, I’m back with a sequel! But seriously, rubrics are really valuable tools, especially as an assessment and guide for PBL instruction. If you ever struggle with creating rubrics (like I sometimes do), here are a few suggestions to help you along the way: Add a […]
Creating a PBL rubric? Here’s a little advice.
A well-crafted rubric is the Swiss Army knife of assessment tools: it communicates expectations for student work; it describes clear steps for learner growth; it provides a guide for students throughout a project or unit; and perhaps most importantly, it requires educators to really reflect on what it is they want their students know and […]
PBL, the Global Goals, and Empathy
“How can I connect my content standards to something that is real for students?” This question comes up a lot during our PBL trainings. And to be honest, depending on the subject matter in question, I’ve not always had a stellar answer. But hey, we learn and grow. However, when I receive this question now, […]
5 Ways to Boost Student Reflection from Project Zero
If you’re not familiar with Harvard’s Project Zero Thinking Routines Toolbox, I hope this post will convince you to take five minutes to explore their website. Reflection is a key element of project-based learning (not to mention all learning), and I’m pretty sure the PZ Thinking Routines could be a one-stop-shop for all of your […]
