What is Project-Based Learning?

Project-based learning (PBL) activities present an engaging question, task, or problem that students then explore through authentic, real-world experiences. The goal is to teach students academic content while they are working in small, collaborative teams. Many PBL activities can also be designed to support community service programs that align to a school’s curricular content. Other projects can be set up in such a way that they focus on identified classroom or school needs.

How Can I Ensure Student Success With Project-Based Learning?

The following components should be embedded into PBL projects:

1. Real-world problems that require background information research
2. Choices about content so that students are required to demonstrate their understanding of the project in meaningful ways
3. A driving question with clearly defined objectives
4. Small group collaboration
5. Feedback from key stakeholders
6. Additional inquiry required for problem solving
7. Student engagement and reflection
8. An action plan that includes timelines and achievable goals
9. A publicly presented project with solutions
10. Teachers and students sharing control and decision-making

Students are more likely to be successful when their PBL goals are attainable, the steps in learning are realistic, and the outcomes are measurable. Students can self-assess as they work by using learning trackers, completing program development templates, collecting feedback, and capturing reflections.

What Are Some Examples of Project-Based Learning Experiences?

Here are some opportunities that were identified at various school sites:

• Elementary students created a grant application to secure funding for a PBL community service field trip.
• Students designed and built a cart that could move scenery on stage for school plays.
• Middle school students developed a new computer application for tracking the use of machines in the fabrication lab.
• High school students organized a college awareness day for families and businesses. Objectives included leveraging college scholarship funds and increasing community support for students during their first year in college.

How Can Students Secure Funding for Project-Based Learning Experiences?

Students can apply for grants to fund their PBL project activities by preparing grant proposals. For example, the students and their teacher could draft a grant proposal to leverage PTA funding for a field trip aligned with their grade level common core standards. The template below is a sample that can be used when requesting grant funding for a field trip that supports a PBL experience.

 Sample Grant Proposal for a Field Trip that

Supports a Project-Based Learning Activity

Name of Activity: _____________________________             Date: ____________________

Needs Statement: What problem do you want to solve? What learning outcome do you expect to achieve? Why does your class need to travel for this learning experience?

Goal Statement: What is the goal of this project-based learning experience? What common core standards will be covered by this experience?

Project Description, Timeline, and Evaluation: What are the steps you will use to solve the problem? Who are you collaborating with when resolving the problem? What is the feedback from the various stakeholders? What else should be asked to solve the problem? How will the team reflect on the problem-solving process? How and when will your team share their product and results? How can you ensure that your teacher can provide flexible choices?

Budget Narrative: What are the expenses needed to fund this trip? What are the staffing costs? What are transportation costs? What are the fees for books, supplies, and equipment? What is the entrance fees for students? Are there other miscellaneous expenses?

When students own their learning outcomes and are fully engaged, they attain a high level of mastery with academic content. Share with us your students’ successes in obtaining funds to support their PBL experiences and community service projects!