Yesterday, at the end of a PBL training with three schools, I asked participants to reflect on their learning that day. Here’s a comment that stood out most:
“I used to think project- based learning was somethingI would never be able to do, now I know I can do it.”
Judging by the nod of heads, it was a feeling nearly all participants shared. While eager, enthusiastic and determined to deepen learning for their students, project- based learning scared them!
They were scared that running projects involved 20 to 25 students moving haphazardly in different directions. Scared they didn’t have the skills to support students in their inquiry. Scared they lacked the resources necessary to make projects fly.
Most of all, they were scared of letting go.
Perhaps you feel the same way. I know I did.
You have read about project- based learning and acknowledge it’s benefits on student learning, but don’t know where to start. Or maybe you have already started, are head deep into a project and feeling like giving up.
I get it.
I was there. Inside the premier project- based school in the world, but stuck inside my own head.
While High Tech High had pioneers that paved the way for me- providing models of high quality projects and demonstrating what it looked like inside a classroom, it took me four years to discover the secrets myself.
It took mentors, regular coaching, and in-depth training to equip me with the confidence I needed to move forward.
While high- quality PBL did take practice and a diverse skill set to get right, it didn’t need to take four years. With the right guidance, I believe it can happen in 6 months.
I’ve put together an accelerated PBL online learning course and training that helps uncover project- based learning’s greatest secrets. The training will equip you with the confidence you need to lead high quality PBL right away.
In the training you will learn how to:
Come up with a jedi- level project idea through a simple brainstorming process
Transition from ‘sage on stage’ to gentle guide on the side
Engage student in inquiry
Lead students in producing professional work through simple feedback structures
Support student growth and assess projects for both academic content AND 21st Century skills
Work together in a collaborative, interdisciplinary team to plan, manage and assess project- based experiences
The course includes five in- depth modules, 20 step by step lessons, planning guides, helpful resources, and personalized coaching from an expert team of practitioners. By the end of the training, you will have a fully developed project ready to launch with students right away.
You can preview the course here ———- >
Currently, there are 10 schools enrolled.
Because I believe high-quality training involves dedication, vulnerability and a commitment to serving each of my teachers/ administrators well, I’m capping the number of schools I work with at 15.
It’s to ensure I can provide the most value to those I serve.
If you would like one of the remaining 5 spots, please e-mail me with answers to the following questions so I can determine if the course would be a fit.
What is your role in education? What is your current experience with project- based learning? Why PBL? What do you hope it will do for you/ your students?
If it seems we are a good fit, I will let you set up a call to tell more about the training and how to start; if not, I will do my best to direct you resources that may help.
Here to serve you!
YOUR PBL Coach,
Kyle Wagner