Project-Based Learning Archives - Page 4 of 4

Mar 02 2018

Students Need to Solve Real Problems

By John Spencer Creativity, Podcast, Project-Based Learning 4 Comments

In the 1980s, somebody decided that haircuts were way too messy. So, they combined a hair trimmer with a vacuum cleaner and we ended up with the Flowbee. I remember begging my parents for a Flowbee and they said "no," because they thought I would…

Feb 25 2018

How Does Assessment Work in a P.B.L. Unit?

By John Spencer Creativity, Podcast, Project-Based Learning 5 Comments

Assessment is everywhere. Visit a basketball court or a skate park or a rock climbing gym and you might just miss something happening all around. Assessment. The same is true of that group of kids huddled around their devices building a shared world in Minecraft…

Jan 20 2018

The Seven Biggest Lies that Keep Teachers from Implementing Project-Based Learning

By John Spencer Creativity, Podcast, Project-Based Learning 6 Comments

We know that kids learn at a deeper level when they do meaningful projects. We've seen how it increases engagement and creates memorable experiences. However, let's be real. Project-Based Learning can feel daunting at first. How do you make it fit within the standards? How do…

Sep 16 2017

Collaborative Projects Can Work in Any Subject

By John Spencer Creative Collaboration, Creativity, Podcast, Project-Based Learning 10 Comments

If we say we want students to become critical thinking life-long learners, we need to provide projects that encourage them to engage in creative collaboration. But what does this look like in each subject area? How do turn this idea into a reality? We'll be…

Feb 09 2015

What Makes Project-Based Learning Work?

By John Spencer Project-Based Learning 2 Comments

So, I’m at the Nova Now Conference at Kent Innovation High School and I’m watching the students working on an aquaponics project. At one table, students are debating the aesthetic design. In another area, students are using Sketch Up to work on a framework for…

Dec 20 2012

Ten Things I’ve Learned in Going Project-Based

By John Spencer Project-Based Learning 13 Comments

It's a few days before Christmas and I expect a challenge. Students will be checked-out or hyper. However, to my surprise, they are fully engaged in a project that combines reading, writing, global awareness and critical thinking. I've mentioned before that this year has been…