During today’s Teacher Tips, the boys discuss Project Based Learning – what it is, how it works, and why it’s important for all content areas to consider working on right away!

• What is it? Project Based Learning is a teaching method in which students gain knowledge and skills by working for an extended period of time to investigate and respond to an authentic, engaging, and complex question, problem, or challenge. (Buck Institute for Education)
• Best practices for implementation: use chart of tasks so students can self pace while you monitor, answer a big question that engages a variety of skills (e.g.: identify a problem in your community and create a robot that can solve said problem), award credit to students for steps in the process, have them do several iterations of project with peer/teacher feedback along the way, use a clear rubric for each of the several skills students incorporate.
• Pitfalls to avoid: it’s not an all or nothing grade; consistent monitoring of student progress is essential, and if necessary pull students into small groups to work with the teacher. For students who are excelling at current skills or who finish early: have them research and incorporate new skills or ideas you have not yet covered.