Teaching Today: Unpacking Project-Based Learning

In this episode
Project-based learning encourages collaboration, critical thinking, and communication skills, and helps boost student engagement and ownership. But it can be complicated to balance student choice and agency with effective learning outcomes. Our K-12 coaching leaders are here to discuss the benefits and drawbacks of project-based learning, as well as practical ways to implement this work in classrooms. 

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Final thoughts
Given what we've learned about project-based learning, what is one bit of advice we have to offer educators who want to get started with this work?

Courtney Brown
Projects are about planning — for skills, activities, and components. But be careful not to plan for every move that you expect your students to make. Students will need choice and agency in order to really enjoy and engage with a project.




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G. Faith Little
No matter what experience you have, find a way to take the next step. If you've never implemented projects before, start exploring them. If you've implemented them but you feel like they didn't really work out, revisit them and reflect on the process. See which ones you might be able to try again. If you've had success with projects before, consider collaborating with someone else at your school and offer your support and expertise. 


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Sherrish Holloman
Start small, and remember to reflect on your experience, successes, and challenges of the project. But with a twist — allow students to reflect on the process as well. This can prove to be a powerful form of assessment for you as an educator, and self-assessment for students. 




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PBL IN THE WRITING CLASSROOM

PUTTING PROBLEMS INTO PRACTICE

PROJECT-BASED WRITING INSTRUCTION

TAGS: PROJECT-BASED LEARNING, TEACHING TODAY