Project-Based Learning Resources
Project-Based Learning (PBL) opens a wealth of opportunities to personalize instruction, increase student engagement and deepen learning. The following resources provide a framework and toolkit for implementing the key elements of PBL. Particularly for beginners, it’s sometimes easier to start with a few elements and build up to full-blown projects. In fact, any one of these elements can be used on its own to increase engagement in regular classroom instruction.
To continue building your PBL practice, please follow our PBL blog. For information about our periodic PBL training sessions or customized trainings offered on contract, please contact the Consortium’s Director of Organizational Advancement, Jackie Foor.
Learning Outcomes
Identifying the content or skills students should be able to demonstrate by the conclusion of a project is the first step in any PBL journey.
Driving Question
What is the big question (or set of smaller questions) students should focus on? This question will drive all the learning as students work through a project.
Research
PBL gives students a chance to discover and apply research techniques ranging from surveys and experiments to web searches and library visits.
Feedback & Revision
Gathering input from others to develop and refine their ideas, products or solutions helps students build a disposition toward improvement, not just completion.
Real World Connection
Building projects around “real-world” problems or issues helps students see the relevance of their classroom learning.
Student Voice & Choice
Giving students a say in choosing a project or even shaping it in smaller ways creates a sense of ownership.
Reflection
Reflection is a critical disposition that takes time and effort to develop. PBL offers a space for building in reflective practice.
Public Presentation
Presenting their project to an audience that’s invested in the outcome underscores both its relevance and the students’ sense of ownership.
Planning & Additional Resources
Check out these additional resources for planning and building a successful PBL project!