What's your best way to use project-based learning in class?

1 Choose a meaningful and relevant project

The first step to use PBL in your class is to choose a project that is meaningful and relevant for your students. The project should align with your learning objectives, curriculum standards, and students' interests and needs. The project should also have a clear and realistic goal, a driving question or challenge, and a final product or presentation that showcases the students' learning. You can brainstorm ideas with your students, colleagues, or community partners, or use online resources such as PBLWorks or Edutopia to find examples of projects.

2 Plan and scaffold the project

The second step to use PBL in your class is to plan and scaffold the project. You need to design the project timeline, milestones, checkpoints, and rubrics, and communicate them clearly to your students. You also need to provide scaffolds, such as graphic organizers, templates, checklists, and feedback, to support your students' inquiry, research, and collaboration processes. You can use online tools such as Google Classroom, Padlet, or Flipgrid to organize and facilitate the project activities and interactions.

3 Assess and reflect on the project

The third step to use PBL in your class is to assess and reflect on the project. You need to use both formative and summative assessments to measure your students' learning outcomes, skills development, and project quality. You can use rubrics, portfolios, self-assessments, peer assessments, and presentations to evaluate your students' work and provide feedback. You also need to encourage your students to reflect on their learning experiences, challenges, and achievements, and identify areas for improvement. You can use journals, surveys, or discussions to prompt your students' reflections.

4 Manage and celebrate the project

The fourth step to use PBL in your class is to manage and celebrate the project. You need to monitor and adjust the project progress, expectations, and issues, and provide guidance and support to your students as needed. You also need to create a positive and respectful learning environment, where your students can share their ideas, opinions, and feedback, and learn from each other. Finally, you need to celebrate your students' success and showcase their work to a wider audience, such as parents, peers, or experts. You can use online platforms, such as Seesaw, YouTube, or blogs, to publish and share your students' projects.

5 Adapt and differentiate the project

The fifth step to use PBL in your class is to adapt and differentiate the project. You need to consider the diversity and needs of your students, and modify the project accordingly. You can differentiate the project by offering choices, variations, or extensions, such as different topics, questions, products, or audiences. You can also differentiate the project by providing different levels of support, challenge, or feedback, such as scaffolds, resources, or mentors. You can use online tools, such as Socrative, Kahoot, or Quizlet, to assess your students' readiness, interests, and preferences, and tailor the project to their needs.

6 Learn and improve the project

The sixth step to use PBL in your class is to learn and improve the project. You need to evaluate the effectiveness and impact of the project, and identify the strengths and weaknesses of your PBL practice. You can use data, evidence, or feedback from your students, colleagues, or partners, to analyze and improve your project design, implementation, and assessment. You can also use online communities, such as Twitter, Facebook, or LinkedIn, to connect and learn from other PBL practitioners, and share your insights and best practices.

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?