Are you looking to implement Project Based Learning at your school but not sure where to begin? There are many resources available (just peak at our treats below) but finding your way to the starting line can often be overwhelming. CraftED is here to get you and your staff started on the journey of designing high quality projects. Read on for the most important trick and a few treats to get you started with PBL.

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Trick

Having a “north star” is critical when designing projects-what is it that we as a staff/grade level/team are striving for in our work? Many schools and districts will approach this critical component to PBL implementation by offering up a model for high quality projects. One trick to increasing ownership (and likely adult agency) is to go about the following process:

  • Study models of standards for high quality PBL in small groups of 4 using a basic Jigsaw.  Here are my favorites:
  • Remain in these small groups and analyze student work through the above mentioned lenses-I recommend one person focuses on one lens in your group of 4. You can keep this simple by doing a modified Looking at Student Work protocol-my favorite low-barrier/easy entry way to go about this is doing a “see-think-wonder” reflection and small group discussion from the lenses mentioned above.
  • Have each staff member rank what they believe to be the traits of high quality student projects-one idea per sticky note. Then have the small group come together to discuss and prioritize their top 3-5. img_3727
  • As a whole group/staff share out each small groups’ ideas and land on your staff standards for high quality projects. Here is what it looks like in practice:

Through this process you have a common language and experience to draw upon moving forward. Not to mention a whole lot of ownership over your definition!

Treats