Project Based Learning Workshops

Our workshops:

  • Are custom designed and can range from 90 minutes to 8 hours

  • Are available in installments, or a single-day mega-workshop

  • Adhere to National Equity Project Experiential Learning Cycle, to ensure that participants are engaged and the experience is responsive to each context we serve.

  • Feature our signature CraftED Curriculum and PBL Planning workbook

  • Leave participants with a wealth of practical resources they can repeatedly return to for additional help

Workshop Descriptions:

PBL 1.0 (2-4 hrs)

This workshop is intended for all levels of familiarity with Project Based Learning, as it begins with a calibration exercise. In this introduction to High Quality Project Based Learning (HQPBL) participants will begin with a deep analysis of exemplar (grade appropriate) PBL models. After this grounding exercise, we will explore a project planning framework rooted in rigor, real-world issues and student engagement. Workshop can be customized to align with district curriculum, platforms and initiatives. Workshops are offered by levels of elementary or secondary so that all materials and strategies are appropriately differentiated.

Agenda outline is as follows:

  • “The Why” of PBL
  • Looking at/analyzing exemplars, defining our “north star” for quality
  • Knows/Need To Knows (NTKs)
  • Project brainstorming protocols
  • PBL planning
  • Big picture mapping
  • Enduring Understanding-driving standards
  • Driving Questions
  • Final products
  • Benchmarks, formative assessment deliverables
  • Supported work time
  • Collegial protocol for project feedback
  • Next steps

Included in the workshop:

  • Keep it real with PBL: Project Planning workbook
  • Access to private PBL library of planning resources and project ideas
  • Reproducibles, handouts, planning forms

Formats available: In person or online (PBL certification e-course)

Assessment 2.0 (2-4 hrs)

This workshop builds off of PBL 1.0 and is an introduction to best practices in assessment, both formative and summative, for PBL. Participants will review reliable, exemplar Open Ed Resources for 21st century skills and CCSS. These tools will be aligned to project goals and used to develop a rubric for the project designed in PBL 1.0. We will also explore best practices in student engagement and assessment, feedback and reflection. Workshop can be customized to align  with district curriculum, platforms and initiatives. Workshops are offered by levels of elementary or secondary so that all materials and strategies are appropriately differentiated.

Agenda outline is as follows:

  • Benchmarking content and skills
  • Student deliverables and formative assessment practices
  • Summative tool development
  • Calendaring assessments and learning targets
  • Student interaction with assessment tools
  • Closing-Project Prune, NTKs

Included in the workshop:

  • Keep it real with PBL: Project Planning workbook
  • Access to private PBL library of planning resources and project ideas
  • Reproducibles, handouts, planning forms

Formats available: In person or online (PBL certification e-course)

Project Coaching (1-2 hrs)

This is a follow up service to PBL 1.0 and Assessment 2.0 workshops and highly recommended for sustainable PBL implementation. Project coaching is 1:1 fully personalized project planning support provided by CraftED Experts. This time is designed to “meet teachers wherever they are” with PBL and can include “soup to nuts” planning of a project. If there are planning teams on site it is recommended that all members of the team be present for this time. Examples of support during project coaching include: differentiation, calendaring, designing reflection activities, project brainstorming, standards alignment, scope and sequencing, etc. Teachers appreciate this time with a PBL expert because it answers any remaining questions they might have, helps them get clear on their individual next steps and keeps them focused and efficient during planning time.

Formats available: In person

Project Reflection and Refinement (1.5-2 hrs)

This workshop is a follow up to PBL 1.0, Assessment 2.0 and project coaching. After teachers have implemented their initial project it is a best practice to reflect upon the process to ensure that teachers continue to develop their craft and that students are learning deeply. Using a modified Looking at Student Work protocol, CraftED will facilitate the staff analyzing project work from the school site. The staff will use the definitions of HQPBL developed during PBL 1.0 as a lens for reflecting on their own project and generating goals for improving the project next year.

Agenda Outline is as follows:

  • Self Reflection
  • Revisit HQPBL
  • Planning team project audit
  • LASW protocol
  • Goal generating for project #1
  • Project 2 storming
  • Supported work time
  • Collegial feedback using protocol

Formats available: In person

Project Calibration (1.5 hour session)

This is a 1.5 hour crash course where we will calibrate on quality, and your staff will define their North Star for PBL. During our time together we will deeply analyze exemplar (grade-level) PBL models, discuss deeper learning practices within PBL, define our priorities for planning quality projects, and generate sustainable next steps for implementing PBL. This workshop is recommended for staff who are new OR experienced in PBL.

Agenda is as follows:

  1. Welcome: 
  2. Knows and Need to Knows
  3. The Why and What of PBL
  4. Analyzing models with lenses for quality + Breakout discussion 
  5. Staff prioritizing: defining quality PBL 
  6. Knows and Need to Knows, Closing reflection  
  7. Next Steps 

Included in the workshop:

  • Keep it real with PBL: Project Planning workbook + Assessment Guide
  • Access to private PBL library of planning resources and project ideas
  • Google Drive folder created to include all reproducibles, handouts, models, and planning forms

Formats available: In person or Online (highly interactive synchronous workshop)

Leading PBL (1.5 hr)

With a strategic plan that puts best practices in place your community can experience success with PBL. This interactive and highly reflective workshop will take school leaders through five steps of a “playbook” to follow for PBL implementation over the course of two years. Participants will have an opportunity to interact, share ideas, and most importantly put into practice what is covered, by developing their own Annual PD Plan. This workshop is appropriate for any individual in an instructional leadership position – from Lead Teachers to District Coaches, to site Principals to Directors of Curriculum and Instruction.

Agenda outline is as follows:

  1. Know and communicate your Why, How, What
  2.  Preparing for Implementation
  3. The PBL Teacher Profile, anticipated challenges, creating a culture for change
  4. Model the mode, ongoing staff learning
  5. Reflect and Refine
  6. Planning for year 2

Formats available: In-person, online synchronous, hybrid virtual