Brainstorming a Project Based Learning unit idea is a challenge for most new PBL facilitators. There are many ways to come up with PBL unit ideas that both tie-in standards rigorously and engage students in a topic that is of interest to them. Seasonal PBL unit ideas can be a great source of inspiration. Whether […]

What is the difference between PBL and STEAM? As elementary schools all over the world push for their teachers to implement Project Based Learning, there have been some hiccups.  As an online instructional coach, a PBL instructor of over 8 years, and a member of several PBL social media groups, I have noticed a major […]

People often wonder, is Youtube an effective learning tool for my classroom? In today’s classroom, Youtube can be a valuable resource for instructional strategies, lesson resources, and so much more.  The Project Based Learning classroom can utilize many of the traditional YouTubers to help support their PBL units. Here are just a few Youtube channels […]

How can Project Based Learning be effective in teaching Social Studies?  It is no secret that with the push for strong ELA and STEM programs, Social Studies has become the neglected house plant of classroom subjects.  However, through some creative integration in our Project Based Learning units, we are able to shine some sunlight on […]

When I first began using the PBL approach in my classroom, I was vigilant about doing making Know and Need to Know lists in my Project Based Learning classroom with my class. But as I progressed and became more experienced they began to fall to the wayside.  It wasn’t until two years ago I realized […]

Coming up with inspiration for Project Based Learning unit ideas can be a challenge, especially for new PBL teachers. Often, just seeing some examples of quality and authentic Project Based Learning Driving Questions can help spark some relevant summer PBL unit ideas.  Below are some driving questions for seasonal PBL units in the summer months. […]

Project Based Learning during the summer can be rewarding and engaging. However, with most schools out for summer break and many businesses at their peak times, it can also be a challenge. Whether you are a year-round school, using PBL in summer school, or a homeschool family looking to use Project Based Learning during your […]

When planning for the upcoming academic year, creating an authentic PBL unit during the summer can be a challenge. Without our students, it can feel like our planning lacks student input or voice.  However, because every project will have two major driving forces, planning a Project Based Learning unit during the summer is not only […]

Seasonal PBL units are a wonderful way to integrate the themes and topics of a season into a Project Based Learning unit. This educational approach encourages inquiry, student voice, and increases engagement through real-world authentic problem solving and challenges. But coming up with ideas for PBL units can be challenging. Seasonal PBL unit ideas are […]

How can Project Based Learning help English Language Learners? With nearly 10 percent of the average American classroom speaking English as their second language, we as PBL facilitators must consider whether or not this methodology is the right fit for all of our students.  Project Based Learning vocabulary instruction is a huge component of any […]

Have you ever stared at your PBL unit planner and drawn a blank? Coming up with a Project Based Learning unit idea can be daunting and worse yet, it can halt the PBL planning process completely. PBL unit ideas take time to cultivate and create. Below are a few driving questions that might help to […]

What is the difference between a project and Project Based Learning? As a professional development facilitator for Project Based Learning, I get this question a lot. In fact, one of the biggest hurdles teachers face when they are getting started with PBL is how to implement a Project Based Learning unit without it becoming a […]

Let me start by saying I have downloaded PBL units from free websites and have even purchased a few. But it is very difficult to maintain the authenticity of a PBL unit and follow another facilitator’s plans.  Here are 3 of my personal reasons to avoid downloading PBL units. 1. Project Based Learning cannot be […]

How can parents help with PBL? How do we build parent support for PBL (Project Based Learning) in our classrooms? By utilizing and informing the caring adults that raise and encourage our students, we can increase engagement and involvement. According to an article in “Public School Review,” parent involvement leads to better classroom behavior and […]

1. Begin With the End in Mind As you are planning your PBL unit, consider the possible outcomes students might arrive at. The culminating event should answer the driving question and be student-directed. But, you as the facilitator can plant seeds to guide students towards the event you hope they will choose to answer the […]