(Note: This includes a detailed look at a sample Defined Learning project calendar with added features from the Framework for High-Quality PBL)Planning a project is kind of like planning a curriculum unit: you think of how it will begin, what […]
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You may have seen some recent headlines about a survey of teenagers in the U.S. The most common takeaway was that "the chance to redo assignments" was the number one pick for what would motivate teens to work harder in school. But if you look at […]
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In a typical classroom, who sees a student’s work? Who gives them feedback on it? When they complete an assignment, what happens to it? The answer to these questions is usually (a) the teacher (b) the teacher, and (c) the teacher returns it, with a […]
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ChatGPT, an artificial intelligence-driven writing tool, has had a rapid impact on education since its release in November 2022. Educators are reconsidering traditional writing assessments due to concerns about potential misuse. Elements of […]
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If you’ve ever been involved in organized sports, I hope you had a good coach. It’s almost impossible to succeed without one. If you did, think about what an effective coach does:
“Scaffolding” has become one of those edu-speak terms that catch on and become part of our vocabulary, but what does it really mean? Is it like the scaffolding on a building when it’s being repaired or painted? To test your understanding of it, take […]
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Reflection is, unfortunately, one of the first things to go during a busy project when a teacher is first learning how to juggle all the moving parts. Projects can feel rushed, given the need to learn the material, do research, complete products in […]
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Authenticity has long been associated with project-based learning. We often hear about projects that are “real-world” and “applied learning.” Authenticity is one of the six criteria in the Framework for High-Quality PBL. It’s one of the main things […]
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One of the most prominent features of project-based learning is inquiry. However, I’ve seen that the concept of inquiry and how to manage it is one of the most challenging aspects of PBL for many teachers. This may be because moving to an […]
In my first post in this series, “Why PBL is Key to Meeting Portrait of a Graduate Goals” I argued that project-based learning is one of the most effective ways to build the student competencies commonly listed on graduate portraits. In the second […]
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