Project-Based Learning (PBL) is an instructional strategy that focuses on engaging students in relevant content to solve real problems. It benefits students by developing their 21st century skills as teachers take a coaching role and students drive their own instruction. A common PBL format introduces the project, provides a rubric, has students generate a know/need to know document, includes project work and lectures/labs/homework, and culminates in a student-created product and presentation. Important aspects are the know/need to know document that evolves throughout, and ensuring there is always a presentation component. Resources for PBL include the Buck Institute for Education and New Tech Network websites.

1. Project-Based LearningBill Burgess

2. What is Project-Based Learning?Project-Based Learning (PBL) is an instructional strategyFocuses on relevance and rigorGets students engaged in the contenthttp://www.flickr.com/photos/berkeleylab/4863699653/

3. Benefits of PBLFocus on 21st Century skillsTeacher acts as a coach or facilitatorStudents drive instructionAble to solve real problems for communitieshttp://www.flickr.com/photos/actionhero/2474852062/

4. Project formatThere are many ways to conduct a PBL unit, here’s one:Entry document (introduces the project)Rubric (Always give this at the beginning)Know/Need to knowProject workLectures, labs, homeworkProduct creation and presentationhttp://www.flickr.com/photos/carolinabio/5350264424/

5. Important termsKnow/Need to knowList generated that describes what students know about the project and what they need to knowIs a living documentProject workSome days this all students will do!Lectures, homework, etc. do not go away!There is ALWAYS a presentation aspecthttp://www.flickr.com/photos/aero_gopher/2404923556

6. PBL resourcesBuck Institute for Educationhttp://www.bie.orgNew Technology Networkhttp://www.newtechnetwork.orgPBL Training website (Used for a district PD)https://sites.google.com/site/perquimans2010http://www.flickr.com/photos/lgb06/4390432853