Online Course - PBL Jumpstart: Teach
Course Description
This course is designed to guide teachers in their shift to becoming a Project Based teacher. You’ll learn how to incorporate effective teaching practices you already use into the framework of PBL, and you’ll learn how to assume a new and rewarding role in the classroom. Participants will become stronger facilitators of Project Based Learning through the Project Based Teaching Practices. This course was formerly called Becoming a Project Based Teacher.
Cost: $399
Dates:
Optional graduate-level professional development credit will be available through Southern New Hampshire University for an additional $120 fee. More information about credits is available at the first course session.
Please note: *If the minimum required enrollment is not met, the course/workshop may be canceled.*
Who should take this course?
This course is ideal for teachers who are just getting started with Project Based Learning and/or those looking to strengthen the practices that lead to successful and sustainable implementation of PBL. It’s also a great opportunity for those who want to learn through a combination of self-paced learning and weekly facilitated sessions. Please note: If you want to learn how to adapt a project for your context, start with PBL Jumpstart: Design.
This course is also a good fit for teachers seeking to advance their PBL expertise and those who want to earn optional graduate-level professional development credit.
Course outcomes
- Build on existing practice to become a stronger Project Based Teacher.
- Understand the mindset and conditions students need to achieve rigorous learning goals through PBL.
- Know how to use Project Based Teaching practices to benefit ALL students.
- Identify the next steps for continued growth as a Project Based Teacher.
The essentials
- Instruction: Facilitated 90-minute weekly sessions and self-paced, independent work
- Grading: Pass/Fail
- Class Size: Up to 50 students
- Course Length: 8 weeks
- University Credit: Optional graduate-level professional development credit is available for an add-on fee.
Week 1: Build the Culture – required 90-minute online session
Create a welcoming learning community with your fellow course participants and learn why high-quality PBL is “main course” learning.
Week 2: Design and Plan – independent work and optional online session
Focus on the 7 Essential Project Design Elements for Gold Standard PBL to set the stage for high-quality learning experiences for your students.
Week 3: Align to Standards – independent work and optional online session
Align your project to learning goals that are important and appropriate for PBL to ensure academic rigor.
Week 4: Manage Activities – required 90-minute online session
Build your project management toolkit and experience what it’s like to interview a content expert.
Week 5: Scaffold Student Learning – independent work and optional online session
Ensure that all students can succeed with PBL by planning for appropriate support.
Week 6: Assess Student Learning – independent work and optional online session
Apply assessment strategies to keep learning on track in a project from start to finish.
Week 7: Engage and Coach – independent work and optional online session
Fine-tune your strategies for engaging and coaching students by focusing on your “teacher moves” at the beginning, middle, and end of projects.
Week 8: Celebrate and Reflect – required 90-minute online session
Showcase your learning and reflect on your next steps as a Project Based Teacher in our final online session.
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Learning Documents & Materials
Required Text: none, required materials are provided online
Supplemental Reading (optional): Setting the Standard for Project Based Learning (Boss, Larmer, & Mergendoller, 2015)
In addition, each module includes:
- Background building (via short readings, video case studies, interactive learning activities)
- Formative assessment (either for self-assessment or shared with facilitator), including focused discussions, weekly reflection, open response prompts, quizzes, and peer critique.
- Collaborative learning (e.g., guided discussion with subset of classmates, collaborative response to scenarios)
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Assignments
- Weekly journal entry in response to specific reflection prompt (journal is submitted as final deliverable)
- Final product will be presented in Week 8 during a synchronous session and contributed to an idea bank
- Peer assessments, based on rubric for final product
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Technical Requirements
Computer
- Desktop, laptop, Chromebook, or Surface PRO 4 or newer are ideal. (We do not recommend iOS or Android tablets)
- Speakers (either external or internal) or headphones/earbuds
- Webcam (either external or internal)
Internet Connection
- An internet connection – broadband wired or wireless
- 3Mbps/3Mbps (upload/download) – Not sure? Check here.
Operating Systems
- Mac OS 10.10 or newer, Windows 10 or newer, and Chrome OS Browsers
- Chrome, Firefox, Safari, and Microsoft Edge are recommended.
Software
2024 Dates
Winter: Mondays, January 8 - March 1, 2024
Summer: Mondays, July 1 - August 23, 2024
Fall: Mondays, September 9 - October 28, 2024
Time: 6:30-8:00 p.m. (Central Time)
Please note: *If the minimum required enrollment is not met, the course/workshop may be canceled.*