BACK TO PROJECT BASED LEARNING BLOGS
By: Ryan Steuer, CEO
Magnify Learning
Dallas, TX
@ryansteuer
When we think of traditional education, the image of students sitting in rows, listening to a lecture, and completing standardized tests comes to mind. You may be thinking of a classroom from the 1930s.
Or you might be thinking of a classroom from 2020.
In a 2020 traditional classroom, the chalkboard is way cooler, but the instruction can still be just as traditional. Just because technology is in a classroom does not mean that the learners are engaged and empowered. They might just be filling in blanks on a digital worksheet instead of a paper worksheet.
However, the tides are changing, and the instructional method of Project-Based Learning (PBL) is revolutionizing classrooms across the globe. In a recent episode of the PBL Simplified Podcast, we heard from a PBL Certified teacher, Britni Pascoe, who is a fourth-grade teacher bringing Movement Maker PBL to her learners.
Britni Pascoe's innovative approach to fundraising through PBL helped her students surpass their financial goals and enabled them to learn employability skills. This blog post takes us through the journey of how Britni's class raised funds through a school wide walkathon to support the Go For Gold initiative for pediatric cancer, transforming a classic school activity into a rich, learning experience that emphasized practical applications for grammar and math, and promoted genuine social-emotional growth.
Britni found the real world problem to solve in this PBL unit when she was talking to a learner’s parent. Finding a PBL unit by talking to a local stakeholder is a brilliant way to find a real-world problem for your learners to solve. Solving a real-world problem in a PBL unit brings engagement to learners in a way that a scenario project just can’t do.
Project-Based Learning is a teaching method in which students gain knowledge and skills by working for an extended period to investigate and respond to an authentic, engaging, and complex question, problem, or challenge. Britni’s use of PBL in fundraising activities epitomizes the essence of high-quality PBL, as her students were not just raising money; they were engaged in a comprehensive educational journey that spanned various academic disciplines. In short, a fundraiser can be a great PBL, or it can just be a great event that raises money.
One particularly inspiring aspect of Britni’s PBL approach was her partnership with Alex's Lemonade Stand, a nonprofit organization aimed at fighting pediatric cancer. By connecting with a real-world community partner, Britni's students were able to experience firsthand the impact of their efforts beyond the classroom walls. This connection provided an authentic context for the students' work, enhancing their engagement and understanding of the project’s purpose.
Alex’s Lemonade Stand was the community partner from the Entry Event to the final end product of the fundraising walk. It is clear that Britni's PBL project was meticulously designed to integrate state standards while also fostering creativity and student autonomy. The inclusion of real-world tasks, such as writing persuasive letters to secure a DJ for the school event or calculating laps for the walkathon, demonstrates how academic skills can be applied in meaningful ways.
Another key element in Britni’s PBL unit is the importance of goal setting as part of social-emotional learning. Britni’s students learned to set challenging yet attainable goals, a skill that will undoubtedly serve them well throughout their academic careers and beyond. The success of the school walkathon, which exceeded its fundraising goal, is a testament to the effectiveness of this approach. Britni’s class raised so much money that Alex’s Lemonade Stand asked her class if they could teach other classes across the country!
As PBL Movement Makers like Britni always do, this PBL unit was not just a neat fundraiser. It was intentionally organized with educational best practices. By establishing a clear rubric and setting criteria, students understood what was expected of them and could see the connection between their work and the academic standards they were meeting. This emphasis on assessment underscores that PBL is not just about the final product but also about the learning process and the development of competencies that are crucial for success in the 21st century.
Britni Pascoe's story serves as an inspiration for educators looking to implement PBL in their classrooms and highlights the profound impact it can have on students' learning experiences.
As we continue to explore the possibilities of PBL in education, it is stories like Britni Pascoe's that remind us of the power of Project Based Learning to change the world.
To listen to the full story go to the PBL Simplified Podcast Episode 164.
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.
SIGN UP TO RECEIVE OUR PROJECT BASED LEARNING BLOGS & RESOURCES!