Project Based Learning (PBL) at NWCCA

What does it look like?

Projects begin with an entry event which introduces students to the project and gives them the challenging problem or question.  This can take many forms such as an interesting document, video clip, news story, simulation, guest speaker, or field trip. 

Students then research and discover information about the topic related to the content standards for the course.  The PBL teacher sustains inquiry by providing learning opportunities, guidance, and direct instruction to help students navigate the project. In addition, the teacher ensures that students have voice and choice in the project and include time for reflection and revision.

The project culminates in a public product which is often shared through a presentation to an authentic audience.  This might be a proposal, awareness campaign, video, event, model, experiment, debate, or invention. As a result, students develop a deep understanding of content knowledge in addition to sharpening their critical thinking, creativity, collaboration, and communication skills in an authentic, meaningful context.