Architects design all kinds of buildings from schools to skyscrapers. Regardless of the type, architects must consider many factors when developing their plans. Most important is the building’s function—what it will be used for. They must operate within parameters set by a budget, time frame, and zoning regulations. Forming partnership is a huge part of constructing a new building. Architects must collaborate with not just the client, but also engineers and other specialists. You will discover that designing PBL is quite similar to the work of an architect. In order for students to become active learners, a great deal of planning and a healthy dose of flexibility are required. Careful attention to the planning phase will result in imaginative as well as pragmatic PBL.
Project Design
Begin at the EndWhat matters most at the end of an instructional unit is students' learning, not the final product. When designing PBL, it is important to identify the skills, concepts, and knowledge your students need to learn. Look at curriculum standards from different disciplines. Involve students in the planning process by having them write standards in their own words. Ask students to suggest activities and resources that support unit goals. Learning objectives derive from content standards. Objectives represent indicators of performance that tell you how students are progressing. Well-defined objectives result in the design of meaningful instruction. Establishing goals in the beginning gives you time to plan assessments, modify deliverables, and gather resources to support the project. Planning early frees your time during the PBL to differentiate instruction and meet the individual needs of your students.
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Use this webmix to explore and identify learning standards.
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Mark Your Calendars
Time is fleeting. It goes by too quickly, especially during classroom instruction. Optimize your PBL time by planning around potential conflicts to avoid interruptions. Continuity in PBL reinforces positive behavior, increases retention of information, and sustains motivation.
Consult Your School CalendarLook for testing dates, holiday breaks, and special programs that might disrupt the project.
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Review the Curriculum Pacing GuideKnow the predetermined points
during the year that specific standards are taught. |
Schedule Activities in AdvanceGather materials, reserve technology, plan programs, and invite guest speakers.
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Seek SupportPBL is a collaborative effort that extends beyond student-led groups. Teachers must collaborate with others as well. Outside of the classroom walls, support awaits. There are colleagues in your district, individuals in the community, and families in students’ home that want to help your project succeed. They are waiting to be asked! As you identify learning goals, determine a topic, and plan instruction, keep your PBL support team informed. There are a variety of communication methods you can use from flyers to emails to social media. Your support team will make your PBL dreams a reality.
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Gold Standard PBLBuck Institute for Education (BIE) has developed a "gold standard" for PBL that defines essential project design elements. Those interested in PBL share a common set of beliefs, but there is a wide variation in the quality of PBL design and implementation. BIE created a comprehensive model – a “gold standard” to help teachers measure, calibrate, and improve their practice. This framework of best practices promotes high-quality PBL for students of all ages and backgrounds.
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Download BIE’s Essential Project Design Elements Checklist to evaluate your PBL design. Make changes as necessary to ensure a rigorous and effective PBL that meets the “gold standard.”
Develop a PBL Road Map and Reach Your Final Destination
The instructional design template at the button below contains major components of PBL design. This is an editable document. Feel free to modify the template to meet the needs of your project.