Are you a huge PD nerd? Me too. As Project Based Learning facilitators, growing our toolboxes through PD sometimes is as natural as breathing. Other times, it can feel overwhelming to decipher the “just okay” resources from the “pedagogy-altering” ones. Whether you are new to PBL or a veteran, here are a few resources that I think will be powerful for your summer list and a few that are on mine. 
1. Hacking Project Based Learning by Ross Cooper
I read this book, having already implemented PBL for 4 years. I have to say, I was a HUGE fan then and continue to be today. It really helped me refresh and I recommend it regularly.
- Great for new to PBL teachers and established PBL facilitators looking to refresh their knowledge or coach
- Covers topics for primary PBL facilitators too
- Facebook Group for support
2. Anything Cooperative Learning
Cooperative Learning is a crucial PBL Foundational Skill. Routine maintenance and refreshing on the topic is as important to our PBL classrooms as oil in a car. Check out these great summer resources.
- Kagan Workshops (pricey, BUT WORTH IT. Try a DonorsChoose to fund your training)
Check out this short playlist I made about Cooperative Learning on YouTube to get you started.
3. Inquiry Mindset by Trevor MacKenzie
This is on my summer to-read list this year. As the mother of a preschooler, I love that it talks about fostering curiosity and wonder in our youngest learners. While MacKenzie was a high school instructor, he co-authors this text with kindergarten teacher, Rebecca Bathurst-Hunt. They discuss practical applications for fostering our children’s innate curiosity. My birthday is in May and this is at the top of my wishlist as we start to plan our homeschool curriculum for next academic year.
4. PBL Workshops
Is your grade-level, school, or district looking to adopt Project Based Learning? Are you hoping to implement this powerful methodology next academic year? Why not start off strongly with an authentic training experience?
I’ll be honest and say that I am a little biased, as I have my PBL certificate through Magnify Learning and I do some work for them. But I truly believe they offer one of the best programs that helps equip facilitators with what they will need to be successful after training. As well, they are one of the few programs that offer elementary facilitators as trainers.
5. Google Teacher Podcast by Matt Miller and Kasey Bell
2020 has been the year of distance learning. Like many of you, I am trying to figure out how to make distance learning work for students. I have listened to a few of these podcast episodes and I LOVE how user friendly these two are. They discuss classroom applications, new add-ons, and so much more. Originally titled, The Google Teacher Tribe, they rebranded after admitting their name was not appropriate, (which made me love them even more). Listen to their whole series or pick and choose episodes that cover topics you are interested in.
6. Legacy: The Sustainable Development Goals in Action by Masami Soto
Looking for a way to integrate the global lens to your next PBL experience? Read up on the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals to learn how to integrate them into your planning. These goals cover topics like poverty, sustainability, hunger, quality education, clean water for all, and so much more. I don’t recommend this book for first-year PBL facilitators, as it is a lot to bite off all at once. But for an experienced PBL facilitator, looking for a way to take their units more global, this is the book for you. Check out more about teaching with the SDGs on this great website TeachSDGs.org.
7. Choose Your Own PD Journey
With the influx of webinars, blogs, podcasts, and self-publishing teachers, there are so many fantastic professional development opportunities available this summer. Try looking up topics you want to learn about by using these key phrases…
- “ ______ webinar 2020”
- “ ______ online workshop 2020”
- “ ______ digital professional development 2020”
- “ ______ online training 2020”
8. MindShift Podcast from KQED
This podcast is interesting because it is created in partnership with an NPR station in San Francisco. I really like many of the topics that they address, both as an elementary facilitator and a Mom. There are some topics for a middle school and high school audience as well. But, I will be honest and say that I never really listen to every episode in a podcast. I am more of a pick and choose listener. The episodes in this podcast make me think and reevaluate some of my strategies. Give it a listen and let me know what you think in the comments.
9. Right Question Institute
During a coaching session with an instructional coach I worked closely with this last year, the QFT (Question Formulation Technique) came up. I had no idea what she was talking about and spoke up. She eagerly told me about a training she attended and this incredible strategy that works wonders for her PBL facilitators. I bookmarked it instantly. I have to say, I am super impressed with what I have watched, read, and practiced so far. Not only does this technique help facilitators better ask questions, but if implemented correctly, it helps students to adjust their questioning framework.
10. Facebook Groups
With the new tools and advertising for Facebook Groups, this feature is quickly becoming a great resource for facilitators to globally collaborate and share powerful resources. Check out these Facebook groups this summer.
- My Elementary Project Based Learning Group (Check out the units tab for PD resources)
- STEM Teachers Group
- Project Based Learning Community
Choose your own topic of interest or areas of study and search Facebook groups. Share them with us in the comments below.
11. Creative Classroom Podcast by John Spencer
I love John Spencer’s works. He is clear and concise. But most importantly, he encourages the kind of mindset and classroom that are perfect for Project Based Learning. Check out his podcast for episodes that cover inquiry, PBL, and so much more. Added bonus, he makes wonderful YouTube videos that also explain many of these same topics.