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 […]
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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
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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
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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
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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
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Social studies and autumn are a perfect curriculum marriage. This time of year is rich in opportunities to teach our students history and civics. But how can we, as PBL facilitators, use this time of year to help guide the creation of high-quality, rigorous, and historically responsible units? The suggestions below are just a few
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Once you understand the purpose of an “I Wonder” board, beginning one in your classroom can be intimidating. No matter the method for implementing your board, you will find these three steps helpful in ensuring the success of your “I Wonder” board. 1. Re-Teach Students About Curiosity Children are naturally born with curiosity and a tendency towards inquiry.
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An “I Wonder” board is an effective tool of inquiry in most STEM/STEAM, Inquiry Based, and Project Based Learning classrooms. However, an “I Wonder” board can be implemented, and effectively used, with any instructional approach. As a PBL coach and workshop facilitator, I often encourage teachers to use an “I Wonder” board to dip their toes into the waters of student-led inquiry. To develop inquiry in
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Are you thinking about using the Project Based Learning approach with your students or in your homeschool? Knowing how to begin can be challenging and overwhelming. Here are 5 quick tips for getting started with PBL. 1. Establish Your Reason Project Based Learning (PBL) can be more work than traditional teaching. It is a fact many veteran PBL teachers
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Project Based Learning in an elementary classroom is a powerful engagement tool. But after a long break, or several school cancellations, students often forget their excitement about the unit’s topic. A ‘re-entry’ even offers facilitators the opportunity to breathe life back into a PBL unit. When do I need a ‘re-entry’ event? After a lengthy testing window
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