Project-Based Learning Archives

Mar 10 2025

Ten Traditional Teaching Practices that Still Belong in a PBL Unit

By John Spencer Creativity, Project-Based Learning No Comments

While it's easy to reject traditional teaching practices as "less authentic" in PBL, we explore why these ten strategies actually belong in PBL unit plans. Why Do Some Students Hate Projects? It's about fifteen minutes before our Mock Trial practice and a student walks up…

Jan 20 2025

Seven Ways to Maximize Time in Project-Based Learning

By John Spencer Creativity, Project-Based Learning No Comments

Early on in my project-based learning journey, I attended a workshop where the facilitator shared a story of a semester-long high school entrepreneurship program he had led. I was intrigued by his story, his passion, and the impact that the way this project impacted his…

Oct 09 2024

How do you come up with great project ideas? (Four Starting Places)

By John Spencer Creativity, Podcast, Project-Based Learning No Comments

I love to come up with project ideas. The brainstorming process feels a bit like going to a candy store, where I get to peruse past experiences, seek out new interests, find materials, and feel inspired by whatever pops up. Or better yet, it's more…

Oct 02 2024

Making the Most of Community Partnerships in PBL

By John Spencer Creativity, Podcast, Project-Based Learning No Comments

In PBL, we often think about the role of a public product. However, community involvement is actually something we can embed into every area of the PBL process. In this week's article and podcast, we take a deep dive into how we can make this…

Mar 26 2024

Making Time for Project-Based Learning (PBL)

By John Spencer Podcast, Project-Based Learning One Comment

When I was in my second year of teacher, I wanted so badly to implement PBL. This, despite the fact that I didn't know the term "project-based learning." I simply knew that I wanted students to engage in meaningful projects where they learn the content…

Feb 13 2024

How to Guide Students in Self-Reflection During a Project

By John Spencer Project-Based Learning 2 Comments

I still remember the moment. I was in my second year of doing project-based learning when a student sighed and asked, "Why do we need to stop?" "What do you mean?" I asked. "The learning. The project. Everything. Why do we need stop everything and…

Dec 06 2023

Getting Started with Student Portfolio Projects

By John Spencer Authentic Assessment, Podcast, Project-Based Learning 15 Comments

When I was a senior in high school, our AP Government teacher chose not to give us a final exam for the end of the first semester. Instead, we would create our own portfolios. Our portfolios had to include what we had learned and what…

May 15 2023

How to Leverage AI for Project Management

By John Spencer Creative Collaboration, Creativity, Podcast, Project-Based Learning 6 Comments

For the longest time, I was the project manager for 30 different projects. I would chart their progress and nag them about getting tasks done. Or I would set specific deadlines for the entire class. Over time, though, I realized that my students could learn…

Apr 25 2023

The Surprising Science of Project Fatigue (And How Teachers Can Help Prevent It)

By John Spencer Creativity, Podcast, Project-Based Learning 2 Comments

I'm struggling with work right now. It's not a toxic culture. I work with an amazing team of educators. It's not the work itself, either. I'm not falling into the "busy" trap of doing tedious work that doesn't fit my identity or my purpose. I…

Jan 10 2023

In a World of AI, Our Students Need Project-Based Learning

By John Spencer Artificial Intelligence, Project-Based Learning, Technology and Media Literacy 7 Comments

The Artificial Intelligence revolution is here. That might sound like hyperbole. After all, the world looks the same. The revolution didn’t arrive with Skynet and robots or with Blade Running cyborgs. It’s been subtle. Auto-correct here. Grammarly suggestion there. An auto-fill option in G-mail and…