BACK TO PROJECT BASED LEARNING BLOGS
By: Ryan Steuer, CEO
Magnify Learning
Dallas, TX
@ryansteuer
What if your learners were inspired? Would you be more motivated and inspired? Want to find out?
Project-based learning can be a truly inspirational approach for both students and teachers. This engaging instructional method allows students to take charge of their own learning journey, while also promoting collaboration and real-world problem solving. As you dive into this fascinating world of a student-driven classroom, you'll discover how project-based learning can not only enhance your classroom experience but also inspire a lifelong love of learning in your students…and you!
After interviewing Brad Hurtig on the PBL Simplified Podcast, he inspired me to write a blog about PBL and inspiration – for both learners and facilitators. Brad is a normal guy who had a huge trial as a kid (losing both of his hands) and overcame that trial to be an all-star linebacker and now motivational speaker. Brad’s story of overcoming trials is motivating and inspiring. While I don’t have Brad’s story, I do know from personal experience (and thousands of educators) that Project Based Learning brings inspiration to learners and facilitators alike.
Incorporating project-based learning into your classroom offers numerous benefits beyond traditional teaching methodologies. By allowing students to work together on meaningful projects that relate to real-world situations, you help foster a sense of ownership and motivation in their current and future lives. Research has shown that project-based learning fosters greater student motivation through the autonomy and relevance it provides.
As you embark on your journey with project-based learning, be prepared to see your students excited to learn, collaborate, and apply their knowledge in new and innovative ways. This transformative educational approach not only enriches the classroom environment but also equips your students with invaluable skills that will serve as a foundation for their future endeavors, both in and outside of the classroom.
Understanding Project-Based Learning
Project Based Learning (PBL) is a student-centered teaching method that focuses on engaging and effective learning. By using real-world problems, PBL helps learners develop a deeper understanding of your academic standards, while also improving learner problem-solving and collaboration skills.
One of the main benefits of PBL is that it promotes active learning. Studies show that active learning leads to better engagement and understanding, regardless of your background or income level. By engaging with the material and applying your skills, you're more likely to retain the information you've learned.
To summarize, project-based learning is an effective and engaging way to deepen learner understanding. By working on practical, real-world challenges, your learners not only gain essential knowledge but also improve their problem-solving and collaboration skills in the process. Embrace the opportunities PBL offers, and your learners will find themselves well-prepared for the challenges of the world beyond the classroom.
The Importance of PBL
Promoting Critical Thinking and Creativity
Project Based Learning (PBL) offers a unique approach to education that fosters critical thinking and creativity. By engaging in real-world projects, learners are challenged to think critically about the issues at hand and come up with innovative solutions. PBL encourages learners to take ownership of their learning, becoming an active participant in the process. As a result, learner confidence grows as they develop the skills necessary to excel in various educational and professional settings.
The Role of Communication and Collaboration
In PBL, communication and collaboration play a significant role in learning and skill development. Working in teams helps learners better understand the viewpoints of others, which can greatly enhance their ability to brainstorm and develop creative solutions. PBL facilitates strong communication skills and teamwork, allowing learners to build connections that can last a lifetime. Additionally, collaborating with your peers fosters an environment of support and encouragement, further cementing the importance of both communication and collaboration in PBL.
Developing Problem-Solving Abilities
One of the most important aspects of PBL is the improvement of problem-solving abilities. By engaging with real-life challenges, learners have the opportunity to apply the knowledge and skills they've learned in the classroom to actual situations. This hands-on experience can greatly enhance learner problem-solving skills, preparing them for success in various life situations, both personally and professionally. The research on PBL consistently shows its positive impact on students' achievement and development of a broader set of skills, including problem-solving.
Through the use of PBL, you have the opportunity to develop crucial life skills such as critical thinking, creativity, communication, collaboration, and problem-solving. Embrace this innovative approach to education and watch as learner confidence and abilities soar.
Facilitator Inspiration
What about You?!?!
In some ways, it is easy to see how your inspiration and motivation levels increase with PBL. When all of the research based claims above happen in your classroom (as they are in thousands of other classrooms), don’t you think you’ll be fired up? After all, you want your learners to develop skills that help them in all aspects of life, you want them to have light bulb moments, and you want your learners to see opportunities they haven’t even dreamt of yet. Part of the secret sauce of PBL for you, the facilitator, is that you get to teach like you have always wanted to! You get to teach learners who are curious and engaged. You switch from a teacher to a facilitator.
Role of Educators and Facilitators
As an educator, your role in PBL involves more than just providing content. You'll act as a facilitator, guiding students and supporting teamwork. In PBL, you'll help students identify real-world problems and develop solutions. Collaborate with your fellow educators to plan, implement, and evaluate courses, ensuring a smooth PBL experience. If you are currently on your own with PBL or searching for more professional collaboration, check out our thriving online community with hundreds of educators on the PBL journey. Sharing what is working, areas of growth and providing reflective conversations will enrich the learning process for everyone involved.
Real-World Application of PBL
Resolving Real-World Issues
Project-Based Learning (PBL) allows learners to work on hands-on, long-term projects that address real-world problems. Through your PBL units, learners can apply their knowledge in practical ways and come up with innovative solutions. For example, they might develop a sustainable way to manage waste, or create a community action plan to tackle air pollution. Your work has the potential to make a genuine impact on society, which is very motivating for you and your learners.
Fostering Engagement and Motivation
PBL is an engaging and motivating teaching method that enables learners to pursue their passions and take charge of your own learning. By working on authentic, relevant projects, you, and the facilitator, will feel more connected to your work and find it easier to stay motivated. As you immerse yourself in real-world application and problem-solving, you will develop a deeper understanding of how your standards relate to the real-world.
Should Teachers Need Motivation?
“Shouldn’t I just be motivated every day because I get to do amazing work I love?” This is a real question from a real teacher. It seems like a legitimate question, but the truth is this question just produces guilt and more difficulty with motivation.
When I hear this question, I lean toward motivational expert, Zig Ziglar.
“People often say motivation doesn’t last. Well, neither does bathing – that’s why we recommend it daily.” ~ Zig Ziglar
Yes, you have a very rewarding and passionate career, but that does not mean motivation will come easy every day. PBL has been a major part of motivating thousands of educators across the country. It is a big step in the classroom, and it will be a big motivational step for you too.
If you are losing motivation in the classroom, try to move toward Project Based Learning. Surround yourself with other educators who are looking to do something different in the classroom just like you are. You need some help finding other like-minded educators, let me know. Magnify Learning has a thriving online community that connects educators from around the country through their passion around Project Based Learning.
The more you and your learners experience PBL, the more you both will be inspired and motivated. For more PBL resources check out magnifylearningin.org.
Teach Inspired!
I’m Ryan Steuer – author and thought leader who specializes in Project Based Learning training, coaching, community, and content to help educational leaders fulfill their vision of deeper learning in their schools. I’ve worked with leaders in school districts of all sizes, from 400 students to 100,000 students. These visionary leaders care about their students, but they are often stressed, overworked, and overwhelmed with the work ahead of them. That’s where I come in! I help leaders achieve their PBL vision, lead their staff, AND stop working weekends.
When I’m not guiding school leaders through Project Based Learning mindset shifts, I am outdoors with my wife and 5 kids - canoeing, hiking, biking, and traveling the US in our RV.
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