Project-based learning (PBL) is not a new and revolutionary teaching practice. Students have been identifying problems and conducting research to propose solutions for a long time. Still, beginning PBL is not always easy. Common concerns about implementing PBL are time, resources, school buy-in, and launching the very first project. If you feel overwhelmed with starting PBL in your classroom, I have four words for you: you can do it!
PBL takes commitment and perseverance. It is not something you can plan in one night and print out on sheets of paper. But I promise you, the energy spent planning and implementing PBL are well worth it. You might have doubts now. That’s okay; you are not the only one. I recently gave a survey to a group of educators regarding PBL. Here are a few of their concerns:
You see, other educators, some with years of experience, also have concerns with implementing PBL. Luckily, there are steps you can take to ease your worry and make PBL a reality. Listen, Read, and Observe
Plan Together
Make it Manageable
Revise and Reflect
Educators share a similar philosophy. We envision classrooms as beehives where students work in teams to uncover information and solve problems. We want students to seek answers to questions about the world, not just theories. We hope that classroom activities lead students to new understandings that inspire them to take action. I have just described PBL. Are you ready to reignite your passion for a student-driven classroom that motivates and nurtures? PBL could be your answer. I warn you; there is risk in fostering a PBL classroom. Students might end up revising their own plans; groups could spend a whole class period corresponding with an expert; and some individuals will likely ask if they can work on presentations at home. If these are the kind of “risks” PBL causes, I will take my chances. |
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