Setting the Standard for Project Based Learning

The Buck Institute has been the leading voice in project-based learning for some time. This book provides the latest experience on what makes effective PBL, or what they call Gold Standard PBL. It even talks about how to implement PBL in different environments such as after-school programs. I would suggest this as a great introduction for those who are unfamiliar, and even for those who have tried projects in some form but are wondering if they are getting it right. It is very common to see educators add some form of project to their traditional classes thinking this is PBL and will reap the well documented benefits of PBL. This books helps distinguish "projects" from Gold Standard PBL.The only weakness I would note is that the book goes out of its way to support use of PBL in a wide variety of ways without really noting differences in what to expect. For example, one could add a PBL capstone activity to a course or grade. There is clear value in this action, but one should not expect any where near the transformative benefit that comes when PBL is used for 100% of instruction, for example. There are many schools who are trying PBL as enrichment. That is all good, but it is not getting education where it needs to be. The few schools using PBL as an integral part of a reinvented education are getting much better results -- both in test scores and in preparing students to be the independent, lifelong learners that are successful in today's dynamic economy. I just wish there was more understanding of those differences and of what is really possible with more ambitious implementations. If more could see what is possible we might see more people trying ii, and our country would be in a much better position.

This book give a clear description of the difference between doing projects and doing "project based learning". Basically, if the the project is the end product, that's not PBL. In PBL, the project is not the assessment piece, thought they seem to agree that such products are not always "bad". But in "gold standard" PBL (a term they use often) the project is evident on the first day and it is the window through which the teaching takes place. It drives the need to know and discover. This book helped me understand PBL beyond the basics that I had heard about.

This really does describe the standard for project-based learning. A very informative book. A lot of the information contained here is on their website, but I really like having this all in one place. Especially nice is the large section in the back with descriptions of various projects that teachers have used.

I began teaching in the 1990s when Ted Sizer ( author of Horace's Compromise) and the Coalition of Essential Schools movement was gaining momentum. Much of PBL was outlined by the CES program and Sizer himself is mentioned on page 52 of this book. PBL expands the CES idea to give it a concrete plan as to what a classroom based on "essential questions" will look like.

Too often educators try to latch onto a buzzword and morph it back into what is simply traditional teaching that follows an industrial model, only with new window dressing. This book makes sure that for Project Based Learning, that doesn't happen! It clearly specifies the core elements that make authentic PBL a powerful teaching and learning approach for any school. A must read for any innovative teacher!

This book was SO interesting! I loved all the examples & the ideas that could be used. I absolutely plan on incorporating this into my future classroom, & I strongly recommend this book to any educator or administrator interested in incorporating PBLs to their curriculum or school system!

The information was great. The Kindle version with hot links to information was very helpful. I love Kindle versions because I have vision problems and can listen.I thought the appendix was missing. I tried accessing it through various ways and finally realized that you must use the table of contents.

In conducting lengthy research on Project Based Learning, I have found this book as one of the most helpful resources, providing a "North Star" for which we educators can aim in implementing PBL in our classrooms. All students deserve the learning opportunities described in this book. Thanks to John Larmer and Buck Institute for sharing the invaluable information, insights and experiences for the benefit of all.

Very clearly and concisely describes the components of project-based learning. For any teacher wishing to become knowledgeable about the subject and generate thoughts and plans for the future, it is the best resource I have found to date.

An excellent book, great read