Why P

BL?

Buck Institute for Education, 2009

There is forty years of accumulated evidence that the instructional strategies and procedures that make up standards-focused Project Based Learning are effective in building deep content understanding, raising academic achievement and encouraging student motivation to learn.

Research studies have demonstrated that PBL can:• be more effective than traditional instruction in increasing academic achievement on annual state-administered assessment tests. (1)• be more effective than traditional instruction for teaching mathematics (2,3), economics (4), science (1,5,6), social science (7), clinical medical skills (8) and for careers in the allied health occupations (7) and teaching (7).• be more effective than traditional instruction for long-term retention, skill development and satisfaction of students and teachers (1,9,2)• be more effective than traditional instruction for preparing students to integrate and explain concepts. (10)• improve students’ mastery of 21st-century skills. (11,12)• be especially effective with lower-achieving students.(1,4,6)• provide an effective model for whole school reform.(13)

As with any teaching method, PBL can be used effectively or ineffectively. At its best, PBL can be the catalyst for an engaging learning experience and create a context for a powerful learning community focused on achievement, self-mastery, and contribution to the community. At its worst, it can be a colossal waste of time for all concerned.

What PBL Isn’t

http://howtovideos.hightechhigh.org/video/265/What+Project+Based+Learning+Isn%27t

What PBL Is

http://howtovideos.hightechhigh.org/video/293/What+is+PBL

Main Course, Not Dessert

Visualize PBL

http://howtovideos.hightechhigh.org/video/281/STEMIE+Proposal

http://howtovideos.hightechhigh.org/video/244/Teach+to+Your+Passion

http://howtovideos.hightechhigh.org/video/258/Learning+in+Nature

Essential PBL

BIE Project Database www.bie.org

Links to STEM model programs and projects

Project Essentials ChecklistTool for assessing PBL units

Tools for Creating PBL

• BIE Project Planning Form

• BIE Rubric

• Defined STEM

• http://www.bie.org/videos/video/designing_integrated_curriculum

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Innovation

Balance

Tony Wagner

It is the combination of play, passion, and purpose that best develops the discipline and perseverance required to be a

successful innovator.