Tips for Evaluating PBL Resources
Today’s educators increasingly recognize the value of Project-Based Learning (PBL) integration in their districts. PBL helps students practice time management, collaboration, problem-solving, and critical thinking — essential 21st century skills. In addition, PBL helps students drive their own learning, which results in increased attendance, engagement, and motivation.
As educational leaders work to lead the shift to PBL, they face the challenge of where to start. Will we develop our own programs or purchase existing materials? How will we evaluate available PBL programs? How will we ensure successful implementation in our school or district?
With such a great demand for PBL, many education companies have jumped on the bandwagon to address the need. These programs vary greatly, with many lacking rigor and resulting in “fluff projects” rather than true PBL. We’ve developed this guide to help you through the process. These tips represent best practices as defined by PBLWorks (formerly the Buck Institute), combined with our own 15 years of experience providing schools with the highly successful PBL program, TREP$.
