Tips for Implementing PBL

For some teachers, giving up control of instructing students is a hard concept to swallow when moving into a project- based learning environment.  The benefits for allowing students to use their curiosity to investigate problems is endless.  It is important to allow students to use and develop critical thinking skills, collaboration skills, decision making, and problem solving skills in order to be success in 21st century learning and career environments.

Edutopia (2013) has created an outline for helping teachers implement project- based learning projects into their classrooms.

• Start with an essential questions- this questions should be open-ended and one can investigate the problem.
• Design a plan for the project- provide students with a list of resources and materials that are available to them as they carry out their research.
• Create a schedule- help students learn time management skills by provided an allotted time for the project and itself steps.
• Monitor students and the progress of the project- be a facilitator, allow students to make decisions, but offer assistance to guide if students are frustrated or stuck.
• Access the outcome- provide specific feedback, align with standards, use feedback to guide further learning.
• Evaluate the process- reflect on the process and adjust changes when necessary to provide authentic learning experiences.

Edutopia. (2013). How does project-based learning work?. Common Core Resources. Retrieved from http://www.edutopia.org/project-based-learning-guide-implementation