I incorporate community action projects into every part of my high school teaching. A community action project is a type of project-based learning in which students identify an issue in their community, research it, brainstorm solutions, create an action plan, and then put that plan into motion. These projects are a powerful form of self-directed, real-world service learning.
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 Do you ever feel that no matter what you do or how hard you try, you just can't seem to reach all of your students? Project-based learning is a great way to not only reach your students but also engage them in personalized, meaningful work. How, you might ask? Let's take a look.
 "I would love to start teaching project-based learning to student-led learners, but I'm a beginner and I'm feeling really uncertain and overwhelmed by the learning curve".
I get this comment in my inbox quite often, and my response is always that you have to start student-directed project-based learning somewhere. You might as well start now, and with a few tricks of the trade in your back pocket. 
One of my favorite aspects of project-based learning (PBL) is the use of community experts and partnerships. Using the community as a resource for PBL is valuable on a number of levels, as it makes learning more authentic and real-world focused. But how can students utilize community experts for project-based learning experiences? In what ways can learners use the community as a resource?
 Halloween is a super fun and creative holiday that kids tend to love, even teenagers. This holiday is filled with candy, late nights, and tons of energy, which can pose challenges for teachers and parents, myself included! Kids' spirit for Halloween can also present an incredible opportunity to create meaningful change in the community through project-based learning. Let’s explore how we can channel this enthusiasm into impactful projects!
 Hispanic Heritage Month projects offer a unique opportunity for students to explore the rich and diverse history, culture, and contributions of Hispanic and Latino communities. As educators, we can deepen this learning experience through student-led project-based learning (PBL). Let’s dive into 10 Hispanic Heritage Month project-based learning driving question examples!
 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!
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.
4 Powerful Strategies for Project-Based Learning Culture-Building to Boost Classroom Success8/11/2025  One of the most critical parts of project-based learning (PBL), especially when it’s student-led, is building a strong PBL culture. You and/or students can design an incredible PBL experience, but without a solid PBL culture to support it, that plan will remain just an idea.
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. |
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. 
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