An Introduction to PBL
A discussion of Project Based Learning
Session Description
Project Based Learning is a hot topic in educational circles. A growing number of schools are implementing a PBL model and more classroom teachers are experimenting with PBL units. This session is for the educator with little to no experience in PBL. Perhaps you have thought about doing PBL but don’t know where to start. Or perhaps you have tried PBL once or twice and you would like to learn more. The session will share the New Tech Network model of PBL, as implemented by Kent Innovation High, a PBL school in Grand Rapids, MI. The session will share useful documents for understanding PBL as well as offer plenty of opportunity for questions and discussion.
Objectives
2. Identify resources and strategies which could help implement Project Based Learning.
3. Allow opportunity to process possible logistics for Project Based Learning implementation.
Smore link
PBL Google Drive Folder
Session Agenda
- My name is...
- My relationship to the topic is...
- My expectations are...
- How I feel about being here is...
- A.M. Session (10:15-12:15)
- P.M. Session (1:00-3:00)
- Materials needed: paper, markers
What is PBL?
Exploration of "PBL Session Resources":
- Introduction to Project Based Learning
- Gold Standard PBL Elements
- PBL Essential Elements Pic
- Project by Stages
- PBL Essentials - Self-Assessment Checklist
- PBL Example Project: Civics, Judicial Branch
- New Tech vs. Traditional School
Revisit Knows, Needs to Know
- What questions have been addressed?
- Additional questions?
- Use index cards to brainstorm essential components of Project Based Learning.
- Use "PBL Session Resources" above to guide brainstorming process.
- Share common characteristics.
- Sort the ideas into columns (or clusters) based on relationships.
- Share idea clusters.
- Materials needed: index cards, pen/pencil
Revisit Knows, Needs to Know
- What questions have been addressed?
- Additional questions?
Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, Threats
- Materials needed: paper, markers
general project based learning resources
General Resources:
Introduction to Project Based Learning
The Teacher’s Guide to Project Based Learning
An Introduction to Project Based Learning
iTunes U Course on Challenge Based Learning
PBL Overview
Chart of the differences between PBL and “doing projects”
PBL slideshare with detailed project outlined at the end.
What does it take for a project to be “authentic”?
How to Re-invent PBL to be More Meaningful
New Tech vs. Traditional School
PBL Research
Rigorous PBL transforms AP classes
PBL Documents and Forms
Student created Group Contract
Student Sentence Stems for Groups
Proficient Collaborators Table
Rubrics for 21st Century Skills
Effective PBL Continua