I have been a high school experiential educator for over a decade, and my dominant approach has been self-directed project-based learning. Students design and execute their projects from start to finish with my guidance. But it's not perfect. That is the reality.
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One of the most common questions that I get is if I could show some real examples of project-based learning in action; examples of PBLs designed and led by students.
This blog post does just that. Keep reading to take a look at project-based learning examples designed and executed either by my high school students or my own elementary kids at home. 4 PBL Culture-Building Techniques to Create a Passionate and Collaborative Learning Community7/9/2023 One of the most important aspects of project-based learning, especially when student-led, is PBL culture-building.
Developing an amazing project-based learning experience is an achievement and feels good, for sure, but that PBL design is only a dream if PBL culture isn’t part of the equation. Student-led project-based learning is a fantastic approach for any classroom or homeschool. The benefits are enormous. Learning is personalized, exciting, real-world, and offers a portfolio of 21st-century skill-building opportunities.
But what does the teacher do, and how do you prepare for student-led project-based teaching? Learn how in under an hour and take immediate actionable steps with my free course! Get ready before you start student-led project-based teaching so you can cruise later.
Project-based learning is powerful and potentially life-changing for learners, offering them the chance to experience deep and meaningful learning experiences while also building essential skills.
What is project-based learning? What is self-directed learning and how is self-directed project-based learning different than standard PBL? Why is self-directed project-based learning important for learners?
Get your answers! Start here.
I am never the most tech-savvy person in the room. There is so much out there and it's always evolving. It's tough to know where to start and just when I feel I've gotten it, everything changes.
Education technology can be intimidating and time-consuming to learn. Time isn't something teachers have in abundance. But it gets easier and more user-friendly everyday, and Google Maps is one such tech that PBL students can highly benefit from.
Has anyone else binge-watched "Down to Earth" on Netflix? If you haven't, do it! Down to Earth is a 5 star example of project based learning on the road and/or abroad.
Zach Efron (yes, I know), travels around the world focusing his energy on ONE global issue. For example, he visits Paris, where he dives deeply into the issue of clean and healthy drinking water. He talks with engineers, city planners, and local political figures. He talks with locals and visits a water treatment facility.
If you were to ask me, "how can I make my summer school class fun and engaging?" (and not just fun and engaging for the kids), I would say, "make personalized, self-directed project-based learning the foundation of your summer school class".
What are some essential life skills and how can you as a teacher help your high school students build these essential skills? With experiential learning! This post offers some life skills example projects to inspire you! Let’s take a look!
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Blog IntentTo provide innovative educational resources for educators, parents, and students, that go beyond lecture and worksheets. AuthorSara Segar, experiential life-science educator and advisor, curriculum writer, and mother of two. Categories
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