EduBlogsClub Prompt #17:Prompt: Write a post that discusses using problem-based or project-based learning in the classroom.
Have you had your students complete open-ended projects or answer open-ended questions? Share your experiences, lesson plans, student work, or reasons why you haven’t yet. We can’t wait to hear about it!
Project Based Learning (PBL) was just coming to my classroom when I left it to become a teacher on assignment. I had heard little bits about it and had purchased “PBL in the Elementary Grades: Step-by-Step Guidance, Tools and Tips for Standards-Focused K-5 Projects”. Since then I know some of my district leaders have attended PBL World and that our district plans on moving in the PBL direction. Aside from teachers doing it on their own, throughout the district, I have not seen an organized move in that direction. As a matter of fact, a small team of teachers and the principal of my previous school site went to PBL World this last round, and I must admit I was a bit jealous. I would have loved to have gone with them. I will have to check in with them to see how they have implemented PBL into the innovative work they do at their school.
I had never had the chance to dig much into the book I had purchased on PBL, due to my new position and my own studies, but it has been one of those things I really have wanted to dig into. I wish my position would allow me to learn it and coach teachers through it. I know if I was still in the classroom I would enjoy a instructional coach helping me implement it.
I listen to a lot of podcasts (as I have mentioned in other posts). PBL is a hot topic in education, so I am not at all surprised that I would have a PBL themed podcast in my listening lineup. It’s an 10 minute episode of the “10 Minute Teacher” by @coolcatteacher called “#146 Get Motivated to Do PBL Right #MotivationMonday”. Give it a listen. Are you looking for motivation to start PBL? Are you already doing PBL? Share your PBL experiences with me in the comments below. 🙂
21st Century Educator 