Students will:
- Understand what project-based learning is and is not
- Review examples of project-based learning done at the highest levels
- Examine how to design PBL experiences in their own classroom and beyond
Course Outline:
Lesson 1: Why Project Based Learning?
This first lesson will focus on an understanding of what project-based learning (PBL) is and what it is not. You will examine how PBL benefits students, teachers and schools.
Lesson 2: What is Gold Standard PBL?
In lesson two, you will look back at how PBL was developed. You will examine how gold standard PBL is a mixture of teaching innovations and instructional methodologies. You will see how PBL is a combination of best practices from all aspects of teaching.
Lesson 3: What Does the Research Say About PBL?
Lesson three moves on to an examination of the research surrounding PBL. You will explore the evidence that supports project-based learning and the factors that contribute to its effectiveness.
Lesson 4: Designing a Project
In our fourth lesson, you will begin to look at how you design an effective PBL project. A well thought out design process will be laid out for you as you work to create a project students will enjoy and that will succeed in meeting your class objectives.
Lesson 5: Managing a Project
Lesson five is all about managing a PBL project once it has been designed. There are many implementation details to plan and this lesson will help you understand what those are and the best strategies for success.
Lesson 6: Becoming a PBL Leader
In our last lesson, you will explore how you can take what you now know about PBL back to your school and district. You will examine field-tested strategies to help guide others as, together, work to implement widespread PBL efforts.
