How to Gain Momentum for Project-Based Learning in 2025 | E216

PBL Simplified for Administrators by Magnify Learning

Podcast Summary: This episode provides three practical strategies for school administrators to gain momentum for project-based learning (PBL) in their schools. The three strategies are:

• Get started today. This means taking steps like visiting schools with successful PBL programs, engaging in book studies about PBL, or listening to podcasts on PBL for administrators. When visiting other schools, administrators should bring along key stakeholders like assistant principals, teachers, community partners, parents, and school board members.
• Create a grassroots movement. Instead of a top-down mandate, a grassroots movement encourages teachers to embrace PBL and advocate for it. A PBL Learning Team or Leadership Team can be created to visit PBL schools, receive training, and implement PBL in their own classrooms. By showcasing successful PBL implementation within their own school, these teams can inspire other teachers to adopt PBL. Design Days can be utilized to visit model schools, build three-year plans, and receive coaching for successful implementation.
• Provide robust training. Teachers need at least three days of intensive training with follow-up coaching to effectively implement PBL. Training should emphasize authentic PBL, where students solve real-world problems and develop essential employability skills. Authentic PBL engages students and teachers more deeply and leads to more meaningful learning experiences.

Key Takeaways:

• Don't delay in taking action to bring PBL to your school.
• Foster a grassroots movement among your staff to create buy-in and enthusiasm for PBL.
• Invest in robust and authentic PBL training for your teachers to ensure successful implementation.

Call to Action:

• Start taking steps to implement PBL in your school today, even if it's just small steps.
• Consider attending a PBL training or workshop.
• Visit schools that have successful PBL programs.

Resources Mentioned:

• Website: whatispbl.com
• Podcasts: Binge PBL for teachers, Binge PBL for administrators, PBL Simplified for Teachers
• Downloads: PBL versus a project
• YouTube: PBL vs Project

Next Episode:

Guest episode featuring Ashley Green, who will discuss using PBL as a turnaround vehicle for schools and classrooms.