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
Step 3 – Solution Research
Step 4 – Pick a Solution
Step 4 is a great place to start putting learners into groups. Group contracts are a very good place to start. Group contracts will give your learners some structure. It also gives you the opportunity to teach on grouping.
If groups worked without structure, then the lunch room would be a wonderful place where ideas are born. A Decision Matrix (link below) gives learners a less subjective way to decide on which portions of different ideas will help the group solve the problem best.
Often groups will just combine all of their ideas instead of trying to decide which ideas best solve the problem at hand. It’s a great exercise in critical thinking and collaboration.
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: