Definition: Project-based learning in a pedagogical practice that allows students to learn while doing. It creates real world problems for students to solve and allows them to engage collaboratively with their peers. This learning happens in class and the teaching happens during the project based on the need of the learners. It can be whole-group or small-group depending on the needs. Project-based learning is both formative and summative.
Project-based learning is NOT project-based assessment which is when we assign a project to be done largely outside of the classroom and is submitted as a summative assessment.
Sample Alternative Assessment:
- Library Research
- Mixed Media Final Project (choose your own adventure)
- Poetry Tutorial Assignment (this can easily be a content tutorial for other subjects)
- Scrooged Satire Analysis
- Hamlet Psych Analysis Project
- Race to the Pitch
- 3D Bear Lesson List
- What Comes Next, Grandma
- 3 Act Math Tasks – website
- Ultimate Design Challenge
Project Based Learning Articles :
- 3 Strategies to Help Students Move From Start to Finish in PBL
- World Languages examples 1
- World Languages examples 2
- 10 Tips For Successful Student Projects
- SBG and Alternative Assessment in STEM – website
- Why Teachers May Want to Try Throwing Students a Curveball in PBL
- Guiding Students to Apply What they Learn
- Using PBL to Teach Students Transferrable Skills
- Science PBL
- 3-D Storylines for Science
- Next Gen Storylines in HS Science
- Project-based learning in math
- Creating opportunities for PBL in Math
- What the Heck is PBL?
Additional Reading for PBL (whole books):
- Rigorous PBL by Design by Michael McDowell
- Teaching for Transfer: A Guide for Designing Learning with Real-World Application by Michael McDowell
- Project Based Learning: Real Questions. Real Answers by Ross Cooper & Erin Murphy
- Mathematics Vision Project – integrated curriculum
Skills Associated with PBL:
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