Now that you can see Project Based Learning as a great instructional model for your learners, how do you get started? Many new educators align with the ‘why’ of Project Based Learning, but then get intimidated when it comes to the first day and initial implementation. The 6 Steps of PBL are designed to give you a structure to work within during your PBL Unit. When you first engage in an authentic learning experience with your learners, it can be open ended and intimidating. These 6 Steps will help you and your learners know where you are at in the process and where you are going.
Step 1 - Define the Problem
Step 2 - Solution Criteria
Step 3 - Solution Research
Step 4 - Pick a Solution
Step 5 - Create, Run, and Inspect Solution
Step 5 is designed to help determine if our solution is really going to solve the problem in the way we think it will. In real world work, we don’t always know what the final solution will be, so we need to take some time to tune these ideas.
Project tuning can happen quickly and at scale if you use this project tuning protocol (link below). A tuning protocol helps us revise the solution in a way that is not personal. We aren’t tuning the person. We are all trying to help make the final product better. The linked tuning protocol helps with the process and vocabulary for productive tuning.
Add a practice presentation to Step 5 as well. You should know what your learners are going to say in front of an authentic audience, and your learners need a stress test. Your learners may not have ever put their ideas out in front of people they don’t know, so it is important to give them an opportunity to feel the pressure.
Step 6 - Reflect on Solution
Video Related Resources
Step 5 Resources: Pick a Solution
End Products (created, tested, tuned, edited) (Website Resource Page)
Additional PBL Resources
1. PBL Simplified Sign Up - Get these videos sent to your inbox each week!
2. PBL Simplified Book Study- Want to learn more about what the PBL process looks like in the classroom? Check out this book!
3. The PBL Simplified Podcast - Like listening to podcasts? Tune in each week to hear episodes on PBL-related topics.
4. PBL Movement Online Community - Connect with other like-minded educators and get access to a ton of PBL Resources.
5. PBL Blog Sign Up - If you like these videos, then you can get our PBL blogs sent your inbox as well!
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