Implementing Project Based Learning In The Classroom

 

Last time, we looked at Project Based Learning in general and today, we'll be looking at how to implement it in the classroom. This can be difficult, especially if the students have never done anything like this before.  One cannot just start doing it full blast because we need to teach students how to do projects.  We can create the best learning experience but if they don't know how to do it, they will get frustrated and no one learns  anything.

1. Begin with small focused steps.  Select a few goals you want the students to work on throughout the year.  Focus on helping students work towards mastering the goals while concentrating on growth.  One might only look at minimal scope and sequence, revisit a previous project, and take time to get feedback from students.

2. Look at the project as if you are a student.  Think about the questions they might have in regard to the project.  Have some easy to understand and use resources available to get them started and to help them make sense of the project. At the beginning, help get them going by providing the steps they will need to navigate their way through the project.  All projects require that students practice a variety of skills such as researching, summarizing, problem solving, working in groups, learning to determine if the source is valid, and so much more.  

3. Plan to introduce students to the project and process over several days.  If there is someone at school who is experienced with doing project based learning, get their help, otherwise look for help from an outside source.  Introduce students to the project using some sort of entry or launch event.  This sets the tone of excitement and a need to get it done. Once you have their attention, clarify by setting clear expectations, clarifying the purpose of the project and explaining why they are doing it, taking time to talk about how they will do it (interviewing, research, etc), and what options do they have for the final project.

4. Generate a list of possible project ideas or head to places that already have projects available such as PBLWorks. If you want to look at possible topics, think about climate change, meeting a design challenge, exploring a question like "Is violence ever justified?", conducting an investigation, or taking a position on a controversial topic.  In math, topics might include having students working for the NSA as code breakers in which they have to break a code in order to determine the who, when, and where of a terrorist attack, working on making connections between geometry and real life such as roof pitch being the same as slope, or which house shape has the most room, or building a house for a spider where they have to determine the size of the house, the size and positions of doors, etc.

5. Think about how this experience will be assessed and make sure students understand what criteria they need to meet to be successful.  In addition, do not put too many checkpoints in the time line but let them know that a final product is expected as part of the final assessment. 

6.  Sometimes trying to do everything including the PBL within the 60 minute class period can be difficult.  It is suggested the instructor focus on one or two objectives and arrange them to model inquiry and and design thinking.  Offer instruction on process or concept for a day or two and then give students a day or two to work on the project after the project launch. Do not have PBL time separate from the rest of the subjects so students see a connection. 

This is a framework for actually implementing Project Based Learning in your classroom.  Let me know what you think, I'd love to hear.  Have a great day.