BACK TO PROJECT BASED LEARNING BLOGS
By: Ryan Steuer, CEO
Magnify Learning
Dallas, TX
@ryansteuer
In the latest episode of the PBL Simplified Podcast, we delve deep into the relationship between Project-Based Learning (PBL) and educational policy, with a special focus on the insights provided by our PBL Leadership Guest, Matt Navo from the California Collaborative for Educational Excellence. This blog post takes highlights from that conversation to share the potential of PBL in redefining the educational landscape, particularly highlighting the importance of aligning Project Based Learning with the framework of educational policy to maximize its effectiveness and sustainability in the classroom. How do we get PBL in the majority of classrooms by 2051 (51 by 51)?
One of the most compelling discussions in the episode revolves around the impact of educational policy on the implementation and success of PBL. We dissect the complexities of policy at both the state and national levels, revealing how strategic alignment with educational standards and incorporation of real-world problem-solving can significantly enhance employability skills among students. This is one of the greatest points for our PBL work. Ultimately, industry partners and society reward our graduates for having employability skills; thus, educational policy will continue to move our educational systems toward developing more employability skills. Project Based Learning is the direction schools should be going because it is best for our learners and for our communities. Matt Navo underscores the critical need for educators and administrators to deeply understand policy as it pertains to PBL, advocating for its broader acceptance and application within schools. As a Movement Maker, you need to have an avenue for understanding and getting updates on state and national policy. You likely can’t obsess on it daily, but you need to be on the front end of major education policy trends.
The challenges that educators face in balancing their aspirational vision for teaching with the pragmatic constraints of standardized testing can be a barrier for schools and districts using PBL as a lever for educational change. Should we be pushing back against the system of standardized tests or ensuring that our schools are serving our learners well? At Magnify Learning, we think you can navigate both with Project Based Learning that is rooted in standards. We find that our National PBL Model Schools are equipping learners with employability skills AND achieving high results on standardized tests. While recognizing the political challenges of shifting away from standardized testing, we do also have partner schools who are leading the way in their states with alternative forms of state assessments. Innovators can be on both sides of this idea. You can move away from state assessments or you can work within the system for success.
We can recognize state testing success while we emphasize the long-term benefits of PBL for educational transformation. Ultimately, PBL is best practice teaching and will create positive outcomes in multiple areas.
Matt and I question the efficacy of standardized testing as a true reflection of student learning and educator efforts as we all do. There is little argument about the effectiveness of a one time summative test where results are shared at the end of the year where we can’t make changes. We wouldn’t set this up, but it is the playground we play in, so ‘How do we thrive?’ is the real question.
Thriving means understanding the significance of integrating PBL within a high-quality instructional framework, supported by robust collaboration and intervention strategies. How can Project Based Learning be a part of foundational policy to drive instructional change? How do we position PBL as an integral part of a holistic educational approach rather than a fleeting trend? Industry, society, and educational policy will continue to push toward graduates with employability skills, so PBL will be here to stay.
Advocating for PBL policy is a needed step for educational change, and we need to address the skepticism and resistance often encountered from educators wary of transient educational initiatives. PBL is here to stay as a main instructional model of schools. Matt and I discuss the foundational cultural work within schools that fosters fertile ground for PBL to thrive. A collaborative culture is the solid foundation from which PBL thrives. We also emphasize the crucial role of involving the entire school community in co-creating a vision for PBL. The power of authentic messengers, including teachers, families, and students, in influencing policy change is also highlighted, showcasing their ability to make a compelling case for PBL's value in education. Involving all stakeholders in the PBL process is integral to keeping our learners at the forefront of policy decisions.
Finally, in this episode, we touch upon the challenges and opportunities in education post-pandemic, with a particular focus on educator burnout and the need for innovation in teaching. Navo shares insights on how the CCEE supports educators in California, inviting listeners to engage with their efforts to meet local accountability goals. Matt stresses the importance of visionary leadership in influencing policy to support innovative educational environments, thereby addressing student boredom and revitalizing classrooms through Project Based Learning.
This PBL Simplified Podcast episode (and this blog) is not only a conversation but a call to action for educators, administrators, and policymakers to embrace the transformative power of PBL and to engage in the policy work that will shape the future of learning. Join us on this journey to reimagine education through a Project Based Learning Movement.
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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