Design PBL: An Introduction to PBL
Workshop Description
Rooted in our model of Gold Standard PBL, this reimagined PBL 101 workshop equips educators with the tools to design rigorous, standards-based projects that are personally relevant to their students and deeply connected to their communities. It models the Project-Based Learning process and how teachers might facilitate it in their classrooms. Each participant will learn the teaching practices needed to facilitate high-quality PBL and leave with a project ready to be implemented in their classroom.
Who should take this workshop?
All educators who are committed to Project Based Learning. It's an ideal starting point for teachers and instructional coaches — especially those who want full control over the design of the project. (Plus, school & district leaders praise the benefits of experiencing this workshop firsthand!)
This course is a pre-requisite for ongoing support and advanced workshops.
Workshop Outcomes
- Develop a personal vision for how Gold Standard PBL serves students and their communities.
- Plan Gold Standard projects that teach meaningful learning goals and are relevant to students and their communities.
- Integrate learner-centered practices, driven by sustained inquiry, throughout the project.
The essentials
Instruction: Led by a member of PBLWorks' National Faculty – seasoned teachers, administrators, school coaches, and PBL experts
Workshop Size: Up to 35 participants
Workshop Length: 3 days
Format: Available onsite or online
TEACH bundle: This workshop is bundled with a one-year subscription to PBLWorks TEACH. If you already have a subscription to TEACH, let our team know!
Looking for PBL 101?
You found it! Design PBL is the reimagined PBL 101, now enhanced with more content and equipping teachers to be more successful in their efforts to bring Project Based Learning to more students.
Your TEACH Bundle
This workshop is taught with PBLWorks TEACH as the underlying framework for teachers understanding how to design a Gold Standard projects. While learning what PBL is and how it is different from standalone projects, teachers will review the fully developed TEACH projects as exemplars of Gold Standard design, then select a project blueprint to modify as they design a project unit of their own.
After the workshop, every teacher in your school (whether they took the workshop or not) will have access to fully designed Gold Standard PBL units and a collection of PBL blueprints to inspire your design efforts when you're ready. Plus, TEACH contains learning modules and a host of resources to elevate and maintain your teaching practices after the workshop ends.
What you will do in 3 days
In Design PBL, you learn all about Gold Standard Project Based Learning and, most importantly, how to get started in your classroom. You'll walk away with a draft of a standards-based PBL unit, ready to implement with your students.
Day #1
Sparking Authenticity
During this first day, participants begin to establish a vision for PBL that is responsive to their students and community. Through asset mapping, educators will identify authentic project ideas and craft meaningful learning goals, products, and a Driving Question.
Deliverable: Project Concept
Day #2
Mapping the Journey
Participants “begin with the end in mind” to further define the products and assessment criteria that will focus student learning throughout the project. They map project milestones and the entry event to ensure a clear path for learner-centered assessment.
Deliverables: Project Assessment Map, Project Milestones
Day #3
Iterating for Impact
The final day shifts toward the daily student experience, where participants design specific lessons using learner-centered structures and routines. The workshop concludes with a peer tuning protocol, allowing educators to present their project designs, receive feedback, and finalize their vision for PBL implementation.
Deliverables: Final Project Plan, Vision for PBL
Here's a glimpse at the on site workshop in action...
Why 3 consecutive days? You might think it's a tall order to find the time for this workshop, but we believe it's essential. The work you will be doing is deep and challenging and can be transformative for your practice. Three days creates the space for active, hands-on project planning, peer collaboration and feedback, and reflection on learning that leads to sustained change.
"I enjoyed the chance to completely immerse myself in the learning – and to work towards designing my project at the same time." – Workshop participant
A few more things to know about our workshops
Our workshops model 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'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 this workshop, you can continue on your learning path by planning for coaching and online consultancy to deepen your PBL practice.
Let's get started!
Our team is happy to talk through the details, answer your questions, and share tips on how to get started.