How do you align learning objectives and outcomes across different disciplines in project-based learning?

1 Define the project scope and purpose

The first step in aligning learning objectives and outcomes across different disciplines is to define the project scope and purpose. What is the main problem or question that your project aims to address? How does it relate to real-world issues or contexts? What are the intended outcomes or products of the project? How will they demonstrate student learning and understanding? By clarifying the project scope and purpose, you can identify the key concepts, skills, and competencies that your project will cover and assess.

2 Identify the relevant standards and criteria

The next step is to identify the relevant standards and criteria that your project will align with. Depending on your curriculum, you may need to consider national, state, or local standards, as well as discipline-specific or cross-curricular frameworks. For example, you may use the Common Core State Standards for English Language Arts and Mathematics, the Next Generation Science Standards for Science, or the International Society for Technology in Education Standards for Students. You may also consult the Buck Institute for Education's Gold Standard PBL Essential Project Design Elements and Teaching Practices, which provide guidelines and rubrics for high-quality PBL. By identifying the relevant standards and criteria, you can ensure that your project meets the expectations and requirements of different disciplines.

3 Map out the learning objectives and outcomes

The third step is to map out the learning objectives and outcomes that your project will address and measure. Learning objectives are statements that describe what students should know, understand, or be able to do by the end of the project. Learning outcomes are indicators that show how students have achieved the learning objectives. For example, a learning objective for a PBL project on climate change may be: "Students will analyze the causes and effects of climate change and propose solutions to reduce its impact." A learning outcome for the same objective may be: "Students will create a multimedia presentation that explains the scientific evidence, social implications, and ethical dilemmas of climate change and recommends actions for individual and collective responsibility." By mapping out the learning objectives and outcomes, you can align them with the relevant standards and criteria, as well as with the project scope and purpose.

4 Integrate the disciplines and skills

The fourth step is to integrate the disciplines and skills that your project will involve and develop. PBL projects should not be isolated or fragmented into separate subject areas, but rather integrated and connected in meaningful ways. For example, a PBL project on climate change may integrate science, social studies, math, language arts, and technology skills, such as data analysis, research, communication, collaboration, and problem-solving. By integrating the disciplines and skills, you can create a coherent and comprehensive learning experience that fosters interdisciplinary collaboration and understanding.

5 Plan the assessment and feedback

The fifth step is to plan the assessment and feedback that your project will provide and receive. Assessment and feedback are essential components of PBL, as they help students monitor their progress, reflect on their learning, and improve their performance. Assessment and feedback should be aligned with the learning objectives and outcomes, as well as with the relevant standards and criteria. Assessment and feedback should also be varied, ongoing, and authentic, meaning that they should include different types, sources, and modes of evaluation, such as self-assessment, peer-assessment, teacher-assessment, formative assessment, summative assessment, rubrics, checklists, portfolios, presentations, etc. By planning the assessment and feedback, you can ensure that your project supports student learning and achievement across different disciplines.

6 Review and revise the project design

The final step is to review and revise the project design based on the alignment of the learning objectives and outcomes across different disciplines. You may need to adjust or modify some aspects of the project scope, purpose, standards, criteria, objectives, outcomes, integration, assessment, or feedback, based on your own reflection, feedback from others, or changes in the context or situation. You may also need to consider the feasibility, relevance, and rigor of the project, as well as the availability of resources, time, and support. By reviewing and revising the project design, you can enhance the quality and effectiveness of your PBL project.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?