How do you design authentic PBL tasks that align with the curriculum goals?

1 Define the driving question

The driving question is the heart of any PBL task. It should be open-ended, challenging, and relevant to the students and the world. It should also align with the curriculum standards and goals you want to cover. To craft a good driving question, use a framework such as the Need to Know (NTK) or the Tubric. The NTK framework helps identify what students need to know, why they need to know it, and how they will show what they know. The Tubric framework helps you ensure that your driving question is timely, universal, beneficial, relevant, interesting, and clear.

2 Plan the project scope and timeline

This involves deciding on the duration, phases, checkpoints, and deliverables of the project. Consider the resources, materials, and tools that you and your students will need. A project scope and timeline can help you manage the project effectively, monitor the progress, and adjust as needed. Tools such as the Project Planner or the Project Calendar can plan your project scope and timeline.

3 Design the learning activities and assessments

The learning activities and assessments are the core of the PBL task. They should provide students with opportunities to explore the driving question, acquire and apply the content and skills, collaborate with peers, and reflect on their learning. They should align with the curriculum standards and goals, as well as the project deliverables. Project Alignment Matrix or the Project Rubric can be used to design your learning activities and assessments.

4 Incorporate student voice and choice

One of the key elements of authentic and engaging PBL tasks is student voice and choice. This means giving students some autonomy and ownership over their learning process and product. Allow students to choose their topics, questions, roles, partners, formats, or audiences. Students can also be involved in co-creating the project criteria, rubrics, or feedback protocols. By incorporating student voice and choice, student motivation, interest, and agency can increase.

5 Connect with the real world

Make the project relevant to the students' lives, interests, and aspirations, and connect it to local or global issues, communities, or experts. Connect with the real world by using authentic scenarios, problems, or data. Guest speakers, mentors, or partners from outside the classroom can also be helpful. Showcase the project outcomes with authentic audiences, such as parents, peers, or stakeholders.

6 Support and scaffold student learning

The final tip for designing authentic and engaging PBL tasks that align with the curriculum standards and goals is to support and scaffold student learning. This means Provide students with the guidance, feedback, and resources they need to succeed in the project. Support and scaffold student learning by using strategies such as modeling, questioning, coaching, conferencing, or peer review. Tools such as graphic organizers, checklists, or templates can help students organize their thoughts, ideas, or information.