How can you design a PBL curriculum that responds to students' diverse family structures?

3 Differentiate instruction and assessment

The third step in designing a PBL curriculum that responds to students' diverse family structures is to differentiate instruction and assessment. This means not only providing multiple options and supports for students to access, process, and demonstrate their learning, but also recognizing and valuing the diverse ways that students learn and express themselves. You can use flexible grouping, scaffolding, feedback, rubrics, or other strategies to differentiate instruction and assessment. You can also use various modalities, media, languages, or formats to allow students to showcase their learning in creative and authentic ways.

4 Incorporate family and community resources

The fourth step in designing a PBL curriculum that responds to students' diverse family structures is to incorporate family and community resources. This means not only inviting and involving parents, guardians, relatives, or other family members in the learning process, but also tapping into the rich cultural and social capital that they bring to the classroom. You can use newsletters, conferences, home visits, or other methods to communicate and collaborate with families. You can also use guest speakers, field trips, mentors, or other partners to connect with community resources.

5 Foster a culture of respect and empathy

The fifth step in designing a PBL curriculum that responds to students' diverse family structures is to foster a culture of respect and empathy. This means not only establishing and enforcing clear norms and expectations for behavior and interaction, but also modeling and promoting positive attitudes and values towards diversity and inclusion. You can use icebreakers, team-building activities, or other exercises to build rapport and trust among students. You can also use literature, media, or other sources to expose students to diverse family structures, cultures, and perspectives.

6 Reflect and improve

The sixth and final step in designing a PBL curriculum that responds to students' diverse family structures is to reflect and improve. This means not only assessing and evaluating the outcomes and impacts of your PBL curriculum, but also seeking and applying feedback and suggestions for improvement. You can use self-assessment, peer-assessment, or other tools to reflect on your own practice and growth. You can also use surveys, focus groups, or other methods to collect and analyze data from your students, families, and community members.