When it comes to planning an authentic Project Based Learning Unit, I find it’s helpful to follow a process that ensures students are doing real work for real people and purposes. When my students know their work matters, they are engaged. When they see the impact of their work in the world, they feel valued.
When I left my job of 11 years in May of 2023 for a position at a new school, I knew my world was changing. The school year that followed pleasantly affirmed my choice to switch districts over and over again, with one exception: I was not teaching PBL.
When I worked for Mission Indy, a small local missionary organization in Indianapolis, we would do an Asset Based Community Development protocol with non-profit leaders from around the country. We would draw a map of their city on a large dry-erase board and then ask them to talk about the needs of their community.
My friend Jonathan Nesci is an artist and furniture designer. His style is modern and minimalistic, and his results are phenomenal-- beautiful, elegant and functional pieces of furniture that cost a lot of money.
As the school year comes to an end, an important next step is to reflect on our year’s practices so we can celebrate our successes and consider what areas for growth we would like to tackle in the upcoming year.
Voice and choice is an important part of Project Based Learning that often gets overlooked for various reasons related to the way a majority of schools function.