17 Project Based Learning (PBL) + Assessment (Feb 16 - 22)

Project Based Learning is the result of new developments in learning theory over the past 25 years. Neuroscience and psychology research indicates that knowledge, thinking, doing, and the contexts for learning (social interactions, culture, community, and past experiences) are inextricably linked.


An Introduction to Project Based Learning provided by the Buck Institute is a good summary of PBL.


Why Teach with Project Based Learning?

Project Based Learning Professional Development Courseware (free)


Project Based Learning/Project Foundry Software



Project Based Learning Changes the Learning Culture



Assessment of PBL:

Some teachers who are considering PBL are concerned about students performing as well on standardized tests.

The Buck Institute (BIE) has addressed standards-based concerns with the PBL Co-Laboratory, a free online library of project-learning project plans that conform to national standards and other online resources to support standards based PBL

A PBL Handbook describes the process and projects that demonstrate inclusion of standards into project based learning.

The Buck Institute also provides extensive Web Resources for Faculty Development and for PBL and School Reform.

PBL does involve more time and planning. One solution is growing number of online project libraries as well as software such as Project Foundry that can facilitate the process of creating and teaching within a project based learning. See the video above for a demonstration of how Project Foundry works.

West Virginia is attempting to implement project learning in every classroom. Carla Williamson, executive director for the state's Office of Instruction, says "Project learning can require more time, but it's time well spent, because the students are really taking ownership of their learning, and the end result is that their learning is so much deeper," she explains. "That's something they carry with them for the rest of their life."

I believe PBL can help change the entrenched culture of schools from one based on the Instructor providing content in lecture mode (which often is dull and unimaginative) and then testing students relentlessly to one of student centered, engaging, imaginative real world ways of problem solving and information gathering while using Web 2.0 tools for teamwork, cooperation, exploration, data collection and analysis and genuine learning that students retain and value with the instructor serving as a guide, mentor and learning presence.

I had added the course links for this week to have them easily accessible in one place and to be able use them as a resource to share in the future:


Edutopia: Playing It Too Safe Online Will Make You Sorry


Edutopia: Confronting Concerns About Project Learning

eSchool News: Project-based Learning Engages Students, Garners Results

Howard Gardner: Multiple Intelligences and New Forms of Assessment

Diigo: Project Learning

PBL: Buck Institute

Reinventing PBL blog

PBL: Using Multiple Intelligences

Bill Strickland Video