Quick! Look at these PBL Tips! #EdChat #MakerEd

5 very quick tips on using PBL in the classroom. 

Start with a clear driving question or problem statement.

The driving question is the heart of any PBL project. It should be open-ended, challenging, and relevant to the students' interests and experiences. It should also be clear enough to guide the students' work, but open enough to allow for creative solutions. The driving question should be introduced at the beginning of the project, and revisited throughout to ensure that students stay focused on the problem they're trying to solve.

Create opportunities for collaboration.

Collaboration is an essential component of PBL. It allows students to work together, share ideas, and build on each other's strengths. Teachers should create opportunities for collaboration throughout the project, such as in-class discussions, small group work, and peer feedback sessions. Teachers should also model effective collaboration skills and help students develop their communication and teamwork skills.

Provide access to resources.

PBL projects require access to a variety of resources, such as books, videos, websites, and experts in the field. Teachers should provide students with access to these resources, either through the school's library or online. Teachers should also help students evaluate the quality of the resources and guide them in their research.

Emphasize the process, not just the product.

The process of PBL is just as important as the final product. Teachers should help students understand the steps involved in the project, such as brainstorming, researching, prototyping, and presenting. Teachers should also encourage students to reflect on their learning throughout the process and provide feedback on their progress.

Celebrate and showcase student work.

Finally, it's important to celebrate and showcase student work. Teachers should provide opportunities for students to present their work to the class, the school, or the community. Teachers should also provide feedback and recognition for students' hard work and creativity. This helps students feel valued and motivated to continue learning.

PBL is a powerful teaching methodology that promotes deeper learning and engagement. By starting with a clear driving question, creating opportunities for collaboration, providing access to resources, emphasizing the process, and celebrating and showcasing student work, teachers can create dynamic and effective PBL projects that help students develop essential skills for success in the 21st century.