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.

Learning Design

Play, Play-Based Learning Important Now More Than Ever

Michael Niehoff

Oct 31, 2020

Distance learning, smart technology and overscheduling are creating a need to embrace the developmental benefits of play and play-based learning now more than ever.

Difference Making

Portrait of a School Wide Project Launch

Michael Niehoff

Oct 21, 2020

Charter Elementary school launches universal school wide project as a means to engage all students and staff in a relevant, personalized, and public purpose.

Personalized Learning

Telling Our Stories: Connecting Globally

Rachelle Dené Poth

Sep 10, 2020

Rachelle Dene Poth shares ideas on resources for promoting global collaboration.

Personalized Learning

Embracing Partners: 7 Human Resources of PBL

Michael Niehoff

Sep 6, 2020

By: Michael Niehoff. Michael outlines the partners that should be involved in project-based learning when creating authenticity and high-quality student work.

Future of Learning

How Interviewing an Innovator Can Expand A Student’s Network

Guest Author

Sep 5, 2020

By: Kevin Anselmo. Kevin of the Global Innovators Academy shares the benefits for students of interviewing professionals and writing content online.

Personalized Learning

Project-Based Learning Revolution: Principal’s New Book is a Call to Action

Michael Niehoff

Aug 30, 2020

Michael shares how one Principal calls for a PBL revolution one school at a time with new research and an experience-based DIY book.

Learning Design

How To Bring a Cross-Curricular Approach to Your Instruction

Guest Author

Aug 9, 2020

By: L. Hixson. A cross-curricular approach to learning is an effective way to introduce students to multiple subjects and help them build critical thinking skills.

Active dual language learning in a 9th grade physics class at El Paso High

Leadership

Active Learning: The Secret to El Paso’s Success

Tom Vander Ark

Aug 1, 2020

Through their 2020 Transformation plan, El Paso Independent School District (EPISD) has used active learning to unlock meaningful learning.

Getting Through

A Resource for COVID-Weary Parents: New eBook on Doing PBL at Home

Guest Author

Jul 27, 2020

By: John Larmer. Now, more than ever, is the time for project-based learning. PBLWorks has launched a new free ebook as a resource to meet the needs of families.

Personalized Learning

3 Ways Leaders Can Create The Conditions for Deeper Learning

Michael Niehoff

Jul 26, 2020

Leaders are charged with creating the learning culture and environment that is conducive to deeper learning. Three areas to begin with are how we start school, how we share student work and how we culminate the year.

	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