Problem Based Learning | complexthinking

"For critical thinking to occur, projects have to be structured to demand deliberate, reflective thought, and students have to be shown examples of what critical thinking looks like, in addition to being supported, assessed, encouraged, and given feedback as they try such thinking out with their peers and on their own. Only then can PBL become genuinely educative for critical thinking" (Mergendoller, 2016).

"Non-Googleable Driving Questions, deliberative cognitive tasks, support and scaffolding- these all combine to create projects that help students become critical thinkers" (Mergendoller, 2016).

PBL - What is it?

"Project based learning is the act of learning through identifying a real-world problem and developing its solution. Kids show what they learn as they journey through the unit, not just at the end." (Wolpert-Gawron, 2015)

Successful project based learning (PBL) has 3 major components. A driving question, audience and purpose, and an in-depth inquiry. To create an effective PBL it is suggested that you begin with the end goal in mind. Using a project design rubric such as the one created by the Buck Institute for Education would be a great place to sart planning. (Miller, 2012)