What is PBL? This episode defines project-based learning (PBL) for five key audiences:
- Teachers – PBL provides a framework for achieving student outcomes such as empowerment and problem-solving that can be difficult to reach through other teaching methods. Teachers can use PBL to help students develop employability skills. Authentic PBL, in which students solve real-world problems, can lead to real change, such as the installation of vape detectors in school bathrooms, the redesign of a town flag, or the revision of a district’s digital policies. PBL is a structured instructional model with many technical components, but the most important thing for teachers to do is get excited about teaching the way they’ve always wanted to teach.
- Students – PBL answers the question of why students need to learn certain concepts by making the connection between the curriculum and real-world problems more immediate. For example, rather than telling students that they need to know about Punnett squares for college, a PBL unit might involve having students help parents understand their child’s genetic disease. PBL helps students develop important skills such as critical thinking, problem-solving, collaboration, and agency. These skills are in high demand by employers and may not always be taught in traditional classrooms.
- Administrators – PBL can help administrators improve test scores and community perception of their schools. PBL is standards-based and includes tight assessment practices to ensure that students are learning. Community perception of schools can improve when community partners are invited to participate in PBL units and then share their experiences with others.
- Parents – PBL is different from the traditional schooling that most parents experienced, but it helps students develop the skills they need to be future-ready. PBL can help students learn to problem-solve, think critically, collaborate, and empower themselves.
- Community Partners – Community partners are eager to help schools but often don’t know how. PBL provides a way for community partners to share their expertise with students and help them connect their learning to the real world.
Resources:
Magnify Learning provides a number of resources for teachers and administrators who are interested in learning more about PBL. You can find more information at whatispbl.com. The website has separate sign-in areas for teachers and administrators.
Magnify Learning also offers two podcasts:
- PBL Simplified for Teachers is an ongoing podcast with solo episodes and interviews with teachers and other guests. This podcast will help you learn more about PBL and get inspired to implement it in your classroom.
- Binge PBL for Teachers is a 20-episode podcast that covers all the nuts and bolts of PBL.
Key Takeaways:
PBL is a powerful instructional model that can help students develop the skills they need to be successful in the 21st century. PBL can also help teachers create more engaging and meaningful learning experiences for their students. By understanding the benefits of PBL for all five key audiences, teachers can be more effective in advocating for and implementing PBL in their schools.
RESOURCES & LINKS RELATED TO THIS EPISODE
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STAY TUNED FOR THE NEXT EPISODE OF THE PBL SIMPLIFIED PODCAST COMING SOON!