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- Our courses are streamlined for efficient and lasting learning.
- We share ideas and resources that you won’t be able to find anywhere else.
- We also offer ideas and techniques based on years of experience in professional development, integrating educator feedback to always meet the needs of course participants.
Self-Paced Online Course
Dynamic Instruction with Project-Based Learning (PBL) is a self-paced, online program. Participants can begin anytime and go at their own speed throughout the program.
Upon enrollment, you will receive a program invitation email from TCEA’s learning management system that will give you access to the self-paced course. Within the course, you will find modules that must be moved through in sequential order.
Course Modules
Principles of Project-Based Learning: PBL is a model and framework of teaching and learning where students acquire content knowledge and skills in order to answer a driving question based on an authentic problem, challenge, or concern (source: Magnify Learning). This module defines the key principles of PBL and helps you develop a strong understanding of what makes an effective PBL.
Designing High-Quality Project-Based Learning: Project-Based Learning can come in many different shapes and forms. High-quality PBL involves certain design elements that, when met, create a truly authentic learning experience for students. In this module, you will explore design elements that ensure your Project-Based Learning instruction is rigorous and improves students’ overall academic performance.
Planning for Project-Based Learning: Lesson planning is not always our favorite part of the profession, but it is a necessary task. PBL planning requires a considerable amount of time upfront to yield rewarding results. It’s essential to establish a clear plan for what and how students will acquire content knowledge and develop key skills. This module will explore strategies and best practices for successfully planning and managing Project-Based Learning.
Building Inquiry and Empowering Students: Students often struggle with the open-ended nature of Project-Based Learning, and helping them build their confidence is one of many goals when implementing this form of instruction. In PBL, the inquiry goes beyond a simple search and requires students to dive deep into the content to produce authentic solutions. In this module, you will explore strategies to help promote and maintain student inquiry while empowering students throughout the process.
Assessments in Project-Based Learning: It’s essential to know what students understand and do not understand as they work through Project-Based Learning. Utilizing a variety of assessments throughout a PBL assists the teacher to gauge students’ development of content knowledge and essential skills. In this module, you will explore a variety of assessment tools and rubrics that help teachers and students reflect on their learning.