Setting the Standard for Project Based Learning

Setting the Standard for Project Based Learning
From Andrew Shahan of Uvita, Costa Rica on 1/4/2018.

This is the book! The information is complete and answers many questions on how to use PBL to drive deep learning. It lays out the aspiration of incredible (setting the standard) PBL but also how you could do it well in a stand alone unit, partial implementation or full implementation. When you read the book you get a great sense of the elements needed so that PBL can be used to help students eat the main course of PBL and not just have a slice of cake. I have used it as a text book to refer to over and over.

Great book for beginners!
From Sonja Emerson of Goldsboro, North Carolina on 10/11/2016.

This is a great book for anyone who is interested in beginning project-based learning in their school! It is an extremely easy read for anyone who has no prior knowledge of project-based learning.

A Guiding "North Star" for PBL
From Ruth Wise of Los Angeles, California on 8/18/2015.

This book is a MUST READ for any educator who hopes to heighten motivation for learning; prepare students for college, career, citizenship and life; help students to achieve and exceed the core standards; strengthen the connection of ones school with parents, the community, and the world; and deepen ones sense of satisfaction as a teacher. Although the standard set in this book for Project Based Learning is high, it is described as a North Star to shoot for rather than being formidable, discouraging, or deterring in any way. Practical steps and examples are provided, and misconceptions are cleared away, so that any teacher can progress toward a more effective and fulfilling experience implementing the eight components of PBL. Any motion in the direction of the Gold Standard PBL model discussed in this book will benefit every student offered the learning opportunities described therein, the teacher facilitating such learning opportunities, and the community and world such projects set out to connect with and change for the better.
Thank you to John Larmer, John Mergendoller, Suzie Boss, and BIE for your stellar work and for the difference you are making in the world through sound research, practical guidance, and pedagogical reform.

My #1 PBL Resource
From Dr. Teresa Dempsey of Columbus, Ohio on 8/5/2015.

So the sign of a beloved book, is that it looks to be a book you’ve owned for years, after just having it for a few months. I’ve had Setting the Standard for Project Based Learning for just 2 months and it looks as if I’ve owned it for 5 years with precious notes and tabs placed everywhere. So why do I love it? As a Director of Professional Development, I’m always seeking high-quality resources that are research-based AND practical. I support a number of districts and community schools that range the continuum of “just dipping their toe in the water” to seasoned practitioners. I’ve recommended this book to all these districts and my colleagues because it has value in its versatility of appeal. It provides a solid research-base with exemplary examples of K-12 PBL designs AND noteworthy tales from the field on PBL implementation from a classroom perspective to a large-district perspective to a nontraditional learning space.

As a long-time fan of PBL, this book has also stretched my thinking in the compelling need to think about “PBL, done well.” So simple, yet profound. How can we hold our PBL design and teaching practice to a Gold Standard? The authors take readers through a compelling narrative of not only what this is, but why it is imperative. It has made me pause and consider how this can help our PBL teachers continue to grow in their journey of practice. Do we share a common North Star to guide our practice?

Another practical piece that Setting the Standard for Project Based Learning offers is a free Study Guide via the ASCD website that is accessible at no charge. The book also contains links to countless websites throughout that offers links to other PBL project examples. Just perfect for a book study group! Or perhaps you’re getting ready to engage in a PBL 101 Workshop - or just completed one and want to learn more - this book is my number one recommendation for support.

Whether you teach or work in administration or higher education or perhaps you are a board member/parent/community group that wants to learn more about project based learning, this book will resonate for you. Thanks to BIE and ASCD for collaboratively publishing this must-read book to complete my PBL library!