2 Key Ingredients for Making Transfer Matter for Kids

COVID was a vivid reminder to all of us that we simply can’t keep the real world out of the classroom. Nor should we try. The more we design units of study in a way that enables students to see the walls of the classroom as permeable the better […]

What is "Deeper Learning"?

Okay, so what is deeper learning? And are we not helping our students learn deeply in our schools already? 

As more and more of my educational conversations involve the discussion of deeper learning for students, I must admit these questions were at […]

Leveraging Technology to Engage Students in Meaningful Career-Focused Learning

After 12 years of teaching in Florida’s public school system, Brian Tupper’s principal let him know he was considered a “non-fiction reading teacher”, rather than a World Cultures and Geography teacher. Frustrated with the educational system, Tupper […]

Defined Announces Computer Science Curriculum Solution for K-12 Schools

Defined launches new computer science curriculum resources to create opportunities and expand career pathways for all students.

CHICAGO, IL (Tuesday, July 20, 2022) — Defined, the leading online provider of project-based learning (PBL) curricula […]

One District's Approach to Transitioning to an Integrated Approach Through PBL

The motto for the Westminster School District is “Building Tomorrow’s Leaders Today.” This motto frames the work of all-district teams, including the Department of Educational Services. “Our goals are firm, but the means are flexible.” Lori […]

Making Rigorous PBL by Design Doable

It is difficult to accept that the best learning road is slow and that doing poorly now is essential for better performance later. It is so deeply counterintuitive that it fools the learners themselves both about their own progress and their […]

Raising the Bar for Student Work in PBL: 3 Tips and Tools to Get Started

Many of my early projects followed a repetitive and unfulfilling path. The project would begin with a bang and generally included lots of excitement and commitment. But, by the end of the journey, the momentum had waned and only a whimper of […]

Using Pre-Built Performance Tasks to Implement High-Quality PBL with Ease

Many of you know and love meal kits – the kind you can order from Home Chef, Hello Fresh, Blue Apron or many other companies. I think they’re a fitting analogy to the kind of pre-built performance tasks offered by Defined Learning.

A meal kit […]

How to Foster Student-Directed Learning in Your Classroom

For the past 21 years, I have been teaching high school science, from environmental and earth science to college prep, honors, and Advanced Placement biology. During my first 15 years as an educator, I taught science based on how I was taught when I […]

4 Tips to Help Teachers Finish the School Year Strong

As we wind down the school year, educators may be looking for some new ideas to boost student engagement, spark some curiosity for learning, or perhaps just take some new risks with new methods and tools in their classrooms. I think this time of […]