PBL 101 Online Workshop
The Online PBL 101 Workshop supports teachers to design a Gold Standard project, ready to use in the classroom or to adapt for remote learning.
This is our foundational three-day workshop based on our model of Gold Standard PBL. It provides participants with the knowledge and skills needed to implement a rigorous, standards-based project. Throughout the workshop, participants will consider educational equity in their classroom and in their projects. Facilitated online by one of our expert National Faculty, PBL 101 is a balanced blend of direct instruction, video analysis, hands-on work, resource sharing, and peer collaboration and feedback. Our PBL 101 models the Project Based Learning process, and our online format models how teachers might facilitate PBL in their own remote classroom. Participants will learn how to set norms, facilitate inquiry, and foster collaborative conversations online, using tech tools like Zoom, Nearpod, and Google Docs. Each participant will leave with a project ready to be implemented in their classroom, and the teaching practices to facilitate high-quality PBL.
What to Expect in Your Online Workshop
Plan for a highly interactive few days together! Over 3 consecutive days, participants will use Zoom to connect with the facilitator and each other. The workshop includes whole group work, learning circles to build connection and community, small group activities, reflection and critique, and individual learning (with some voice and choice) — as well as a number of built-in break times. Each day is 6 hours with an additional 1 hour for lunch.
There will be activities that get participants out of their seats, opportunities to have fun with other participants, and independent time to work on project design.
Key Objectives
● Increase understanding of the Gold Standard Project Design Elements
● Deepen understanding of formative and summative assessment practices that support PBL design and implementation
● Increase awareness of student strengths, interests, and needs to make instructional decisions
● Reflect on the needs of learners and incorporate scaffolding strategies to support learning throughout a project
● Develop an awareness of the Project Based Teaching Practices and how they inform project design and implementation
● Explore, use, and reflect upon project management tools and processes that can transfer to the classroom
Workshop Agenda
This workshop is three consecutive days. Each day’s session builds on the previous.
Day 1: Design
During this first day, participants establish a vision for the work by imagining their ideal graduate and build the foundation of their project that is deeply rooted in rigorous content. Deliverable: Gallery Walk poster
Day 2: Assess
Now that participants have built the foundation of their projects, they are ready to develop the story of their project, one that appropriately challenges students and in which assessment is used effectively to monitor and support student learning. Deliverables: Storyboard, Project Milestones, Project Calendar (partial)
Day 3: Manage
With the story of the project clear and the key assessments identified, participants learn about how to ensure successful outcomes for all students through scaffolding and project management. These are then built into participants’ Project Planner. Deliverables: Project Calendar, Next Steps Planning Guide
Participant Outcomes
As a result of this service, participants will:
● Be ready to implement a rigorous standards-based project with students (online or in the classroom).
● Reflect on the students you serve and build your project based on their strengths, interests, and needs.
● Have the ability to assess and manage the project.
A few more things to know about PBL 101
PBL 101 models the PBL process. You'll be experiencing the same style of learning that you're designing for your students.
The workshop models many features of Project Based Learning — from an engaging entry event to a final public product.
You'll experience a mix of learning activities. The workshop is a blend of direct instruction, video analysis, hands-on work, resource sharing, and peer collaboration and feedback.
You get access to a host of online resources. Online resources — including an in-workshop companion and post-workshop learning modules — provide continued support beyond the workshop days for your PBL design and implementation in the classroom.
You'll understand how PBL supports educational equity. Every workshop and every service we design reflects our mission to prepare all students for academic, personal, and career success.
It's part of a sustained learning journey. Real change happens over weeks, months, and even years, not overnight. After PBL 101, you can continue on your learning path by accessing online resources and coaching.
