E3 – The Essential Elements of Authentic Project Based Learning

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The Essential Elements of Authentic Project Based Learning by Magnify Learning


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SHOW NOTES

Essential Elements to Authentic PBLAuthentic PBL extends beyond hypothetical scenarios and delves into real-world problem-solving. Authenticity fuels student engagement and empowers them to take ownership of their learning. Projects should be driven by compelling questions or challenges that necessitate collaboration with community partners.Southport Elementary: A Case Study in Authentic PBLRyan draws a compelling contrast between a traditional “Entrepreneur Day” (where students create products to sell to parents) and the authentic project undertaken by Southport Elementary. Southport students partnered with a local non-profit organization supporting individuals with intellectual disabilities. The project involved students marketing and selling products crafted by these individuals, fostering meaningful relationships and enabling students to master academic standards through real-world application. The authenticity of the project created a palpable difference, marked by genuine emotional responses from students and parents and a shared sense of purpose and impact.Sustained Inquiry: The Heartbeat of Authentic PBLAuthenticity, coupled with sustained inquiry, is the key to deep student engagement. Sustained inquiry means students are actively engaged in exploring a problem over an extended period (4-6 weeks), fostering a sense of investment and ownership. Ryan shares an anecdote of a student applying his math skills to calculate the required number of cinder blocks for building raised garden beds, highlighting how authenticity elevates the relevance and application of academic concepts.

Reflection, Critique, and the Power of a Public Product: The significance of delivering a high-quality final product is emphasized, as students often present their work to community partners, showcasing the real-world impact of their efforts. In the Southport example, the culminating event was a presentation to the non-profit partner. Students are intrinsically motivated to produce exceptional work because they understand that their efforts have real-world implications.

Key Takeaways for School Leaders: Authenticity is paramount in PBL. It’s not just a desirable feature; it’s the foundational element that sets authentic PBL apart. When implementing PBL in your school, prioritize high-quality, authentic projects that involve community partners from the outset. Authentic PBL possesses the transformative power to change classrooms, schools, and lives. It’s an investment worth making.

Resource:

WhatisPBL.com

Magnify Learning – www.magnifypbl.com

 

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