Empowering Creative and Critical Thinking with PBL

Outline

Brief overview of Project-Based Learning (PBL) and its benefits for student learning
Interactive poll to gauge the audience's familiarity and experience with PBL
Compelling examples of successful PBL implementation across various grade levels and subjects

Key Principles of PBL (10 minutes)
Explanation of the essential elements of PBL, including driving questions, student voice and choice, inquiry and investigation, collaboration, critique and revision, and public product
Visual representation of the PBL process to illustrate the flow of learning
Small group discussion to identify the key differences between PBL and traditional instruction

Getting Started with PBL (15 minutes)
Practical tips for designing and launching PBL projects, including selecting topics, crafting driving questions, and establishing clear learning goals
Showcase of ready-made PBL activities that can be adapted for different curricular areas
Hands-on activity where participants explore and modify a sample PBL activity to fit their own teaching context

Implementing PBL: Challenges and Solutions (15 minutes)
Addressing common challenges in PBL implementation, such as time management, assessment, and student engagement
Sharing strategies for overcoming these challenges and ensuring successful PBL experiences
Q&A session to address specific concerns and questions from the audience

Empowering Students through PBL (10 minutes)
Highlighting the impact of PBL on student ownership, creative thinking, and critical thinking skills
Sharing student testimonials and examples of student work to showcase the power of PBL
Interactive activity where participants brainstorm ways to further empower students through PBL in their own classrooms

Conclusion and Next Steps (5 minutes)
Summarizing key takeaways and providing resources for further exploration of PBL
Encouraging participants to take action and implement PBL in their teaching practice
Providing opportunities for ongoing support and collaboration

Process
Interactive Polls: Used throughout the session to gauge audience understanding, gather feedback, and stimulate discussion.
Small Group Discussions: Provide opportunities for participants to share ideas, collaborate, and learn from each other's experiences.
Hands-on Activities: Allow participants to actively engage with the content and apply their learning in practical ways.
Q&A Sessions: Ensure that participants' questions and concerns are addressed, fostering a deeper understanding of PBL.
Visual Representations: Help to illustrate key concepts and processes, making the content more accessible and engaging.
Student Testimonials and Work Samples: Provide concrete evidence of the impact of PBL on student learning and empowerment.

Supporting research

Boss, S., & Krauss, J. (2018). Reinventing project-based learning: Your field guide to real-world projects in the digital age, 3rd ed. (Portland, OR: International Society for Technology in Education).

Larmer, J., Mergendoller, J., & Boss, S. (2015). Setting the standard for project based learning: A proven approach to rigorous classroom instruction. (Alexandria, VA: ASCD).

Learn more about shifting your teaching practice in Project Based Teaching: How to Create Rigorous and Engaging Learning Experiences by Suzie Boss with John Larmer (ASCD, 2018).

Gold Standard PBL: Essential Project Design Elements https://www.pblworks.org/what-is-pbl/gold-standard-project-design