Project-Based Learning

(PBL) is an instructional approach where traditional, direct classroom instruction and tests are replaced by authentic, often interdisciplinary projects, usually designed by the student with guidance from instructors/coaches, addressing real-world problems as the assessment instead of a test. It also is closely related to deeper learning, challenge-based learning, interest-based learning and more.

Culturally Relevant PBeyL: Exploring the Example Set by Beyoncé’s ‘Homecoming’

Guest Author

Aug 13, 2019

By: Michelle Sadrena Pledger Tears of joy stream down my cheeks as I watch beautiful black women and men of every hue, height, shape and shoe size artfully move their bodies in ways that display unity and uniqueness. With a smile on my face and in my heart, I listen…

Equity & Access

When NExT Is Now

Guest Author

Aug 9, 2019

By: Lindsay Portnoy. How could we use experiential learning to reframe educational problems as opportunities and make learning more equitable globally? Over 100 educators representing thousands of educational settings across the country recently gathered at Northeastern Experiential Learning Network (NExT) to discuss this important question. The NExT…

Project-Based Learning

Keep Your Head Up

John Hardison

Aug 4, 2019

One teacher shares a collaborative project idea meant to deliver a positive message to students, teachers, and parents about persevering through tough times, showing some grit, and leaning on their school district family when needed.

Competency-Based Education

One Stone: Where Purpose Meets Impact

Guest Author

Jul 25, 2019

By: Dr. Lindsay Portnoy. As schools like One Stone work to infuse applied learning into education, learners see the relevance of the skills they learn and find ways to map that knowledge on to meaningful work today and in the future. Learn more here.

Project-Based Learning

Booker T. Washington: A Project-Based Learning Pioneer

Beth Holland

Jul 20, 2019

Booker T. Washington’s ideas and the HQPBL-aligned curriculum of the Tuskegee Institute could serve as a model for addressing many modern educational challenges.

Equity & Access

Three Strategies for Providing Top-down Support for Bottom-up Change

Rebecca Midles

Jul 18, 2019

The Colorado Education Initiative partnered with Stanford University’s School Retool Fellowship to empower Colorado school and district leaders to be the agents of change for equitable deeper learning.

Project-Based Learning

PBL Assessment: Real World and Real Stakes

Kyle Wagner

Jul 13, 2019

Real PBL assessment involves high stakes and real-world outcomes. Kyle Wagner answers five questions about creating high quality PBL assessment.

Personalized Learning

How Digital Portfolios Empower Student Ownership of Learning

Guest Author

Jul 7, 2019

By: Kathy Rogers. “When one teaches, two learn.” This quote from Robert Heinlein has resonated with me throughout my 28 years in education. In my career, I’ve employed a variety of instructional strategies, but a constant has been my desire to connect with my students to help them—and me—learn and…

Project-Based Learning

Making Science Class into the Happiest Place on Earth with Projects

Guest Author

Jul 6, 2019

By: Zach Jernigan. As a self-proclaimed science nerd, there are few things that can compare with my fascination for science. You might say that I enjoy exploring science as much as the average kid enjoys exploring Disneyland. So when I had the…

Personalized Learning

Two Engaging NYC High Schools: Maker Academy and iSchool

Tom Vander Ark

Jul 3, 2019

In Gerry Irrizary’s maker lab (featured image), young designers use 3D printers to prototype sneaker insoles, fashion designer skateboards with laser cutters, and implement the latest strategies in user interface to plan new mobile apps. The lab where teen dreams come to life is on the fourth floor of a…

	Beginning	Piloting	Implementing
From Fixed Standards to Competency-Based Mastery	BeginningFrom Fixed Standards to Competency-Based Mastery Beginning	PilotingFrom Fixed Standards to Competency-Based Mastery Piloting	ImplementingFrom Fixed Standards to Competency-Based Mastery Implementing
From One-Size-Fits-All to Adaptive Learning	BeginningFrom One-Size-Fits-All to Adaptive Learning Beginning	PilotingFrom One-Size-Fits-All to Adaptive Learning Piloting	ImplementingFrom One-Size-Fits-All to Adaptive Learning Implementing
From Prescribed Knowledge to Innovation & Inquiry	BeginningFrom Prescribed Knowledge to Innovation & Inquiry Beginning	PilotingFrom Prescribed Knowledge to Innovation & Inquiry Piloting	ImplementingFrom Prescribed Knowledge to Innovation & Inquiry Implementing
From Subjects as Silos to Transdisciplinary, Real-World Learning	BeginningFrom Subjects as Silos to Transdisciplinary, Real-World Learning Beginning	PilotingFrom Subjects as Silos to Transdisciplinary, Real-World Learning Piloting	ImplementingFrom Subjects as Silos to Transdisciplinary, Real-World Learning Implementing
From Schools as Self-Contained to Schools as Embedded in Communities	BeginningFrom Schools as Self-Contained to Schools as Embedded in Communities Beginning	PilotingFrom Schools as Self-Contained to Schools as Embedded in Communities Piloting	ImplementingFrom Schools as Self-Contained to Schools as Embedded in Communities Implementing
From Standardized Testing to Meaningful Assessment	BeginningFrom Standardized Testing to Meaningful Assessment Beginning	PilotingFrom Standardized Testing to Meaningful Assessment Piloting	ImplementingFrom Standardized Testing to Meaningful Assessment Implementing
From Institutional Ownership of Student Data to Student-Controlled Learning Wallets	BeginningFrom Institutional Ownership of Student Data to Student-Controlled Learning Wallets Beginning	PilotingFrom Institutional Ownership of Student Data to Student-Controlled Learning Wallets Piloting	ImplementingFrom Institutional Ownership of Student Data to Student-Controlled Learning Wallets Implementing

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Project-Based Learning