Everything Teachers Need to Know about Project Based Learning- 6 Must Read Books

June 5, 2015
According to BIE, project based learning is “an instructional approach built upon authentic learning activities that engage student interest and motivation. These activities are designed to answer a question or solve a problem and generally reflect the types of learning and work people do in the everyday world outside the classroom.”In its essence , project based learning is all about engaging learners in meaningful and goal-oriented learning activities.

Technology is proved to be an effective means of creating and enhancing a PBL-based culture in and outside class. We have already featured a wide variety of iPad and Android apps that are ideal for a PBL classroom. Today, we are grounding you in the theoretical as well as practical part of project based learning. We have selected for you some great books on PBL designed particularly for teachers and educators.  These reads will definitely help you construct an informed understanding of what PB is all about and guide you towards a better implementation of its ethos in your teaching.

1-  Thinking Through Project-Based Learning: Guiding Deeper Inquiry by Jane I. Krauss (Author), Suzanne K. Boss (Author)

'This timely and practical book shows how to implement academically-rich classroom projects that teach the all-important skill of inquiry.'

2- Project Based Learning (PBL) Starter Kit by John Larmer  (Author), David Ross (Author), John R. Mergendollar (Author)

'A practical guide to Project Based Learning. Designed for middle and high school teachers, the PBL Starter Kit contains down-to-earth, classroom tested advice, including six sample projects, step-by-step guidance, tips from experienced practitioners, planning tools and online resources plus project-ready rubrics and handouts.'

3- Project-Based Learning: Differentiating Instruction for the 21st Century by William N. Bender  (Author)

'This exciting new book describes how PBL fosters 21st century skills and innovative thinking. The author provides instructional strategies, assessment methods, and detailed instruction on how to: Design projects for various content areas across all grade levels; Integrate technology throughout the learning process; Use Khan Academy, webquests, wikis, and more to foster deeper conceptual learning; Build social learning networks; Differentiate instruction by scaffolding supports for the learning process'

4- Setting the Standard for Project Based Learning: A Proven Approach to Rigorous Classroom Instruction by Buck Institute for Education (Author), John Larmer (Author), John Mergendoller (Author), Suzie Boss (Author)

'The authors leaders at the respected Buck Institute for Education take readers through the step-by-step process of how to create, implement, and assess PBL using a classroom-tested framework. Also included are chapters for school leaders on implementing PBL systemwide and the use of PBL in informal settings.'

5- Transforming Schools Using Project-Based Learning, Performance Assessment, and Common Core Standards by Bob Lenz (Author), Justin Wells (Author), Sally Kingston (Author)

'It's not what students know, but what they do with what they know that is important
Schools are changing in response to this reality, and in Transforming Schools Using Project-Based Learning, Performance Assessment, and Common Core Standards, Bob Lenz, Justin Wells, and Sally Kingston draw on the example of the Envision Education schools, as well as other leading schools around the country, to show how the concept of deeper learning can meet the need for students who are both college and career ready and engaged in their own education.'

6- Implementing Project-Based Learning (Solutions by Suzie Boss (Author)

'Deepen learning experiences in every classroom. Project-based learning (PBL) has the potential to fully engage students of the digital age, changing student-teacher dynamics and giving students greater influence and agency in their learning. Discover user-friendly strategies for implementing PBL to equip students with essential 21st century skills, strengthen their problem-solving abilities, and prepare them for college and careers.'

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