Project Based Learning (PBL) activity plan on addictive behavior for IB Psychology curriculum (A Teach-Now course assignment)

1. “Addictive”
A project-based learning activity for IB Psychology students

2. What is Project-Based Learning?
Project Based Learning is a teaching method in
which students gain knowledge and skills by working
for an extended period of time to investigate and
respond to an engaging and complex question,
problem, or challenge.

3. Elements of PBL
Key Knowledge,
Understanding,
and Success
Skills
Challenging
Problem or
Question
Sustained Inquiry Authenticity
Student Voice &
Choice
Reflection
Critique &
Revision
Public Product

4. Project Concept: ‘Addictive’
Substance abuse, obesity, and addictive behavior is a topic under the IB Psychology
curriculum. The aim of this project is to expand on the well-known concept of ‘addiction’ to
focus on ‘addictive behaviors’: what are their underlying causes, and what are the counter
approaches. Students have to understand the biological, cognitive, and sociocultural factors
leading to addictive behaviours in their local context and the preventive and curative
approaches to counter them. They learn content from psychology, social science, and brain
science. The project ends with a digital video. The format of the video can vary from
documentary style to animation. An additional product is a personal narrative of personal
addictive behaviours and strategies to counter them.

5. Project Details
Age group
16-18 years
Time period
1 month
Individual/Group
Group
Subjects
Psychology (Primary)
Social Science, Biology (Connected)
Design and Technology (Applied)
Group Size
4-6 members
21st Century Skills
Collaboration
Communication
Critical thinking
Creativity
Information, media, and technology skills
Multi-disciplinary theme
Connection to Curriculum
IB Psychology

6. Learning Outcomes
š Explain factors related to the development of substance abuse OR overeating and
obesity, in your local context
š Examine approaches to counter substance abuse OR overeating and obesity, both
preventive and curative, in your local context
š Apply methods of qualitative research in psychology, such as interviews and case studies
š Reflect on addictive behaviors we can observe in ourselves, making connections to the
cases and interviews you analysed. Discuss strategies to counter those behaviours.

7. Essential Questions
š What are the factors that lead to substance abuse OR overeating and obesity, in your
local context?
š How does your local context deal with substance abuse OR overeating and obesity, both
preventive and curative?
š Once we understand addictive behaviour better, what behaviours can we identify in
ourselves?

8. Products
š Video on addictive behaviours incorporating the learnings. The duration should be
between 2-6 minutes.
š Personal narrative of 1000 words on your understanding of addictive behaviour, some
behaviours you’ve identifiedin yourself, and how you can change them.

9. Assessment
š Rubrics to evaluate storyboards, movies, narratives, and
presentations of learning.
š Public critique or awards for the movies

10. Milestones
Topic
introduction by
mentor
Choosing
topic
(substance
abuse OR
overeating
and obesity)
and focus
Research
phase
(applying
qualitative
methods of
interviews and
case studies)
Sharing of
stories and
feedback
(storyboard
draft)
Reflection and
discussion on
personal
addictive
behaviours
Producing the
video
(includes
storyboarding,
making, etc.)
Peer feedback
and revision on
draft
Personal
narratives
submission
Public showing
(school
viewing /
professional
viewing)

11. Why this topic, and deeper learning
opportunities
This activity exposes the students to personal encounters with those
suffering from addictive behaviours and their journey. It also gives the
students a chance to reflect on their own addictive behaviours or
potential for and how they could counter them. It not only teaches
content from social science and science, but has personal
application in their growth and development.

12. Know More
1. About PBL: bie.org/about/what_pbl
2. IB Psychology: www.ibo.org/programmes/