Project Design
Why Project-Based Learning?
Planning Tools
Check out our curated collection of project planning templates. While this collection is primarily designed for Project-Based Learning units, it can easily be adapted to meet other needs, as well. The 6 As (descriptions found in this document) can serve as a planning guide in helping you flesh out a rigorous, carefully designed project. You might also be interested in this WBL-focused project planning template that seeks to ground learning in the Standards for Career Ready Practice. Reach out to any of our CCR Force members to ask for specific support around project planning and implementation, cross-curricular integration, and/or how to embed readiness skill development into both CTE and core classes.
Project-Based Learning Support
There is a vast array of PBL resources available to teachers interested in learning how to use this instructional strategy or how to strengthen their PBL skills. We’ve gathered a list of PBL Databases and Examples for you to browse. In addition, the Project Design Tools and Resources list will help you break down the specific components of a PBL lesson with helpful tips and guidance.
Designing a Performance Task
A performance task is an activity or project that asks students to engage in a creating a particular product to demonstrate their knowledge and skills. Ideally, a performance task engages in real work, processes, and activities used by industry, meaning it is authentic; a good performance task also has multiple ways of solving a problem or addressing a need.
Performance task evaluation tool (for teacher’s self-assessment)
Project Management Tools
Looking for some ideas to manage the chaos of PBL? Check out this use of the “Scrum Board” as a way for both teachers and students to keep tabs on progress, next steps, and pacing.
The article linked above provides new evidence about concrete benefits for ALL students engaged in PBL learning experiences.
How to keep the spirit of PBL alive in “regular” units
This article from PBL Works suggests resisting the temptation to separate teaching into “PBL units” and “regular units.” By incorporating some PBL elements in all instruction, teachers can increase their understanding of PBL methods, create smoother transitions between units, and support a community of learning that engages students in meaningful growth and discovery. Another way to incorporate this approach would be to consider the 6 As of PBL and try to add one (two? three?) to a unit you are already teaching.