Giving Compass' Take:

• Framework for High-Quality Project Based Learning identifies six criteria that teachers need to successfully implement this learning style: authenticity, intellectual challenge and accomplishment, public product, and collaboration. 

• What if students do not respond well to project-based learning styles? Will this trend leave those students behind? How can we make sure every student is comfortable with the complexities of project-based learning? 

• Learn how to incorporate equity in project-based learning to make this practice the most effective. 

Over the last four years, I have created and implemented several projects that integrate Challenge Based Learning (CBL) and the Engineering Design Process (EDP). The difference between Challenge Based Learning and Project Based Learning (PBL) can be confusing. In CBL, students work to identify problems and use content knowledge as they create sustainable solutions. PBL is similar, but projects can address either real or hypothetical situations. But as this article points out, PBL and CBL are related at the very core, because they both involve active student-centered learning

Six criteria were outlined in the recently-released Framework for High Quality Project Based Learning (HQPBL) — Authenticity, Intellectual Challenge and Accomplishment, Public Product, Collaboration, Project Management, and Reflection — can help teachers create and implement successful student-centered learning projects:

  • Authenticity: Students work on projects that are meaningful and relevant to their culture, their lives and their future.
  • Intellectual Challenge and Accomplishment: Students learn deeply, think critically and strive for excellence.
  • Public Product:  When a students’ work is publicly displayed, discussed and critiqued.
  • Collaboration: Students collaborate with other students in person or online and/or receive guidance from adult mentors and experts.

The HQPBL Framework is a valuable resource for enhancing and creating CBL, PBL or any active learning student-centered projects. The suggestions and guiding questions in the framework, when carefully considered, can be used to motivate, challenge and empower students to create a solution to a problem as they learn.

Read the full article about project-based learning and challenge-based learning by Jamie Back at Getting Smart.