Now that you can see Project Based Learning as a great instructional model for your learners, how do you get started? Many new educators align with the ‘why’ of Project Based Learning, but then get intimidated when it comes to the first day and initial implementation. The 6 Steps of PBL are designed to give you a structure to work within during your PBL Unit. When you first engage in an authentic learning experience with your learners, it can be open ended and intimidating. These 6 Steps will help you and your learners know where you are at in the process and where you are going.
Step 1 – Define the Problem
Step 2 – Solution Criteria
What will it look like when the problem is solved? What criteria/constraints will the solution need to meet? Your learners have been dreaming about helping the community partner solve this authentic problem.
Now we need to bring things in a bit with rubrics, calendars, and maybe budgets. When we solve problems in the real world, we don’t have unlimited budgets or time. We always have constraints and constraints can increase our creativity.
Step 3 – Solution Research
Step 4 – Pick a Solution
Step 5 – Create, Run, and Inspect Solution
Step 6 – Reflect on Solution
Additional PBL Resources
1. PBL Simplified Book Study- Want to learn more about what the PBL process looks like in the classroom? Check out this book!
2. The PBL Simplified Podcast – Like listening to podcasts? Tune in each week to hear episodes on PBL-related topics.
3. PBL Movement Online Community – Connect with other like-minded educators and get access to a ton of PBL Resources.
4. Magnify Learning on YouTube Subscribe for the latest videos!
5. Get our PBL Resources: