Giving Compass' Take:

• Project-based learning can empower students' cultural displays of learning through innovative projects and fosters student voice and independence. 

• Can PBL also help with workforce development initiatives in schools and career training? 

• Read about the criteria needed for designing a high-quality project-based learning curriculum. 

Project-based learning (PBL) is starting to catch on across the country and it’s important that we understand why it works. As we look for answers to close the opportunity gap, for our historically oppressed groups in society, it’s useful to see the connections between PBL and culturally responsive teaching (CRT).

Both CRT and PBL push us to teach deeply, be relevant, and develop skills. They also redefine the student to teacher relationship and change the learning process.

After reading Culturally Responsive Teaching and the Brain, by Zaretta Hammond, 3 years ago, I see the justification for so many of our educational reforms and initiatives.

Here are 5 Culturally Responsive reasons for doing PBL:

  • Students do the heavy lifting in PBL
  • PBL starts with a hook and sparks for curiosity
  • PBL allows for an authentic application of knowledge
  • PBL harnesses collectivism
  • PBL empowers students to address social justice issues

Read the full article about project-based learning by Joe Truss at Getting Smart