SHOW NOTES

How PBL Brings Engagement

Get Your Students on Board (not Bored!)

  • This episode focuses on how to get students on board with Project Based Learning (PBL).
  • Teachers may encounter resistance from students accustomed to traditional, passive learning environments. 
  • Three warnings to keep in mind as you transition your students to PBL:
    • They may not be ready to take initiative or solve problems independently.
    • Teachers should guide them and provide opportunities to develop agency.
    • Think of this transition as “hurting cats” becoming “hurting tigers.”
    • Give students choices and involve them in decision-making processes.
    • Encourage them to take ownership of the classroom environment.
    • This helps them take ownership of their learning.
    • It is important to use failure as a learning opportunity.
    • Help students develop resilience and a growth mindset.
    • Help them develop the language of agency and ownership to work through failures.
    • Agency: Students need to be taught how to be empowered learners.
    • Ownership: Students need to feel a sense of ownership over their learning.
    • Failure: Students (and teachers) will experience failure.
  • Real-world problem-solving is a cornerstone of authentic PBL.
  • Book RecommendationLife’s a Project: The Six A’s of Project-Based Learning by Andrew Larson. 
    • Andrew Larson is a PBL educator and master storyteller.
    • A free book study is also available.
    • Get the book here
  • The next episode will discuss how to engage with the real world without becoming overwhelmed. 
  • Listeners are encouraged to rate and review the show. 

Resources

Life’s a Project Book Study

Magnify Learning – www.magnifypbl.com