How PBL Builds Portrait of a Graduate Competencies Part 3: Problem Solving, Critical Thinking, Innovation & Creativity

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 […]

Empathy—The Difference Maker for Inquiry

“Empathy—the ability to understand and share the feelings of another.”

—Oxford Languages

Recently, I attended and facilitated sessions at the Association for International Schools in Africa’s (AISA) annual conference. Educators across the continent […]

3 Keys to Pursuing a Life that Experiences Joyful Learning

No matter who you are or where you’re from, the past few years have done some damage. It’s by no means the same for all of us and I count myself as one of the fortunate ones in so many respects. Yet even as fortunate as I am, every once in a while I […]

PBL Pro Tips by John Larmer: How Can You Launch a Project to Engage Students & Ignite Curiosity?

3 Ways to Foster Strong Student Relationships

Jed Stefanowicz, a human being I am lucky enough to call my colleague, encouraged me to write a post a few years ago as it had been a while since I had written. Like any new teacher, I was wrapping my head around exactly what it was I was doing. […]

4 Reasons PBL Leads to Deep Math Understanding & Drives Achievement

If you’re an educator and you’ve been paying attention to the news lately, you’ve undoubtedly seen articles about NAEP test scores that were released this week. The National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) is given to fourth and […]

5 Ways to Open Pathways to Imagination and Creativity

Could you imagine a world where each and every one of us uses our talents and resources to nurture the potential that simmers within? Could we work toward developing an in-depth understanding of our unique talents that are awaiting to be […]

PBL Pro Tips by John Larmer: What is the Difference Between Student Voice and Student Choice in PBL?

People in project-based learning circles have been using the term “voice & choice” for a long time. The two words were usually lumped together since they seemed like similar ideas and, well, it was a catchy rhyme. I know I used to lump them […]

3 Ideas for Promoting Collaboration in the Classroom

Collaboration is being open to each other's ideas and benefiting from each other's perspectives in an open way”. - Alan Menken 

Preparing our students for the future means that we need to continue to learn more about the types of jobs that are in […]

Preparing Students for the Future: 3 Essential Skills

As educators, we have had to adjust our methods and choices in digital tools throughout our careers for many reasons. Besides what we have experienced in the past few years, there is increased access to devices, more apps and tools available for […]