Discover PBL
Workshop Description
Embark on your PBL journey! In this workshop, you will discover why PBL should be the main course, not just the dessert. By exploring pre-designed projects, you will gain a deeper understanding of the structure and power of Project Based Learning. You will select and prepare to implement a project by gaining a deeper understanding of the “story” behind it.
Who should take this workshop?
Educators who are beginning their Project Based Learning journey and are limited to one day of professional learning. It's a good starting point for teachers and instructional coaches. School & district leaders praise the benefits of experiencing this workshop firsthand as well!
This course is a pre-requisite for ongoing support and advanced workshops.
Workshop Outcomes
• Describe the phases of the Project Path
• Select and unpack a PBLWorks TEACH project unit for implementation
• Identify key milestones and experiences in a project that deepen student learning
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: 1 day
Format: Available onsite
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!
Your TEACH Bundle
This workshop is taught with PBLWorks TEACH as the underlying framework for teachers unpacking and understanding how Gold Standard projects are structured. While learning what PBL is and how it is different from standalone projects, teachers will explore the fully developed TEACH projects, select one to explore for the day, and use that project to understand the project plan, lesson structure, and assessment map. Through this approach, teachers will feel better prepared to use a TEACH project in their classroom.
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 to Expect
Plan for a highly interactive learning experience! Facilitated by one of our expert National Faculty, this 1-day introductory service is a balanced blend of direct instruction, video analysis, hands-on work, resource sharing, and peer collaboration. The workshop includes whole-group work, small-group discussions, reflection, individual learning (with some voice and choice), and several built-in break times. The workshop is 6 hours long, with an additional 1 hour for lunch.
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, especially the project path.
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.