Binge PBL for Teachers by Magnify Learning

E8 - The Heart of PBL (or at least a ventricle)

Listen Later

Workshops and PBL

This episode focuses on using workshops as a primary means of delivering content in a PBL unit. Ryan Steuer, the host, uses a personal anecdote about a student named Brooke who skipped a workshop on compound complex sentences because she found the description unexciting. This anecdote leads into a discussion of mandatory versus voluntary workshops. Ryan then offers three key tips for teachers using workshops in PBL.

Key Concepts

  • Workshops as the "heart" of PBL: Workshops are a central component of PBL, serving as a space for delivering content, fostering mastery, and addressing specific student needs.
  • Need-to-know workshops: Workshops should be driven by student "need-to-knows" that emerge from the entry event and engagement with the project's driving question and rubric.
  • Mandatory vs. Voluntary Workshops: While voluntary workshops may work for some students, mandatory workshops ensure all students receive necessary instruction, especially on key standards or concepts.
  • Repurposing Traditional Materials: Teachers can adapt existing materials like quizzes, labs, and activities for use in PBL workshops, connecting them to the project's real-world context.
  • Student and Community Partner-Led Workshops: To increase student engagement and ownership, students who have mastered a topic can lead workshops for their peers, and community partners can offer expertise related to the project. However, scaffolding and structure are essential for successful student or community partner-led workshops.

    • Call to Action

    • Download the PBL vs. Project comparison chart from the show notes.
    • Listen to the next episode about designing effective entry events.
    • Rate and review the podcast.

      • Additional Notes:

      • The host mentions that state testing scores tend to improve in PBL environments, even compared to traditional "skill and drill" approaches. He plans to share specific examples in future episodes.

        • Resources

        PBL vs a Project Visual

        Magnify Learning - www.magnifypbl.com

        ...more
        View all episodesView all episodes
        Download on the App Store
        Binge PBL for Teachers by Magnify LearningBy Magnify Learning