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 […]
What is the difference between PBL and STEAM? Read More »
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
Is YouTube an Effective Learning Tool in Project Based Learning? Read More »
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
How can Project Based Learning be effective in teaching Social Studies? Read More »
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
3 Differences Between a Project and a Project Based Learning Unit Read More »
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
3 Reasons NOT to Download Your Next PBL Unit Read More »
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
4 Ways to Include Caring Adults in Your Project Based Learning Classroom Read More »
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
5 Tips for Better Culminating Events in Your PBL Classroom Read More »
As elementary PBL facilitators, we often need help coming up with ideas for PBL units. Here are 3 roads that I often take to find inspiration for PBL units. 1. Students Because students are the driving force behind any quality PBL unit, why not start with their interests, ideas, and topics of conversation as inspiration
3 Places to Find PBL Unit Ideas Read More »
Community partners play many different roles in Project Based Learning units. As a PBL facilitator and now an instructional coach, I have witnessed firsthand the most effective ways to utilize a community partner in quality and authentic unit. 1. Entry Event When I taught 1st Grade, we loved using community partners to come in and
5 Roles That Make Good Community Partnerships Read More »
The phrase “Failing Forward” from John C. Maxwell’s book, by the same title, has taken the education community by storm. But what does it mean to “Fail Forward?” How can we as Project Based Learning teachers utilize this idea to help support our students? Below are a few ideas and thoughts from my years as
Failing Forward in Project Based Learning Read More »
