PBL: Research

What is it?

As an element of PBL, research encompasses teaching our students how to ask questions, how to seek out relevant, accurate answers, and how to share that information with others to advance the project.

Why does it matter?

• The question/answer/new question cycle:
• Builds students’ confidence as learners.
• Increases a deeper understanding of content.
• Teaches students to seek out information.
• Leads to a growth mindset.
• Encourages curiosity and lifelong learning.

Research is a process:

• Questioning: Identifying what students know and don’t know.
• Discovering: Students explore or engage in a variety of sources of information. E.g., place based, experts, libraries, websites, etc.
• Sharing: Synthesize information, collaborate on learning, gain feedback and help.
• Repeat

Getting Started

• Launch the research process by focusing on the driving question.
  • Work with students to develop a list of “Need to Knows. ” E.g., what do they need to know to start working on their project.
• Work with students to set short deadlines for seeking out information.
• Check in early and often to assess students’ progress, and help them to set new goals and develop new
• questions to pursue.
• If working with groups of students, look for opportunities for students to share learning across groups.

Tips & Tricks

• Start small. Consider creating a curated list of resources/videos for students to explore.
• Look for research opportunities within your class or campus.
• Create a research checklist to help keep students on track.

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