Project Based Learning (PBL) Updated July 16, 2014

Introduction
Bismarck Public Schools must prepare students for their future, not our past. As the U.S. continues to compete in a
global economy that demands innovation, we need to ensure that our students have both the right knowledge and skills
to become college and career ready.

Schools can help prepare students for college and careers with minds-on, hands-on learning. This is why Bismarck Public
Schools is supporting the concept of Project Based Learning (PBL). Through Project Based Learning, students internalize
knowledge and improve their comprehension long term.

Rich in significant content and critical skills, PBL is not a new fad or new instructional strategy. Some Bismarck Public
School teachers have been using Project Based Learning in their classrooms for years. Our school district is now
providing PBL training to more teachers. Some teachers received initial training in 2011. After that, a four-year training
cycle was developed and implemented from 2013-2017.

What is Project Based Learning?
PBL combines the 3 rs of reading, riting, and rithmetic with the 4 Cs of communication, critical thinking,
creativity, and collaboration.
PBL moves beyond short term learning and memorization to experiences that trigger long term learning and
memory.
PBL is hands-on, applied learning. It is not fun and games; it requires deep content knowledge.
Students become better thinkers by applying the knowledge they learn to solve problems using complex
applications of the curriculum and modern, industry standard tools.
Students produce authentic, real-world projects which are often presented to the community for review.
PBL makes learning more relevant and meaningful so students are excited about and engaged in their work.
PBL builds strong problem-solving skills, creates self-directed learners, hones collaborative abilities, and creates
intrinsic interest in learning.

How does Project Based Learning work?
1. Projects focus on a question students will explore or a task they will complete.
2. Students see the need to gain knowledge, understand concepts, and apply skills to engage in the project.
3. Students are allowed to make some choices about the project to be created, how they will work together or
alone, and how they will use their time, which creates project buy-in.
4. Students receive teacher/classmate feedback to consider additions or changes to their projects.
5. Students present projects to others besides teachers and classmates, which connects them to the community.

National Research
John Deweys research in the early 1900s showed the success of learning by doing. PBL takes learning
FROM teacher centered..TO student centered.
FROM knowingTO applying.
FROM 18th Century.TO 21st Century.

Research by the Buck Institute for Education found that well-designed, well-implemented Project Based Learning can
1. increase student motivation and engagement in learning;
2. improve students retention of knowledge over time;
3. improve students mastery of 21st century skills;
4. be especially effective with lower-achieving students;
5. increase student achievement on state standardized tests.

The Buck Institute (www.bie.org) states:
Project Based Learnings time has come. The experience of thousands of teachers across all grade levels and subject
areas, backed by research, confirms that PBL is an effective and enjoyable way to learn. Why are so many educators
across the U.S. and around the world interested in this teaching method?
In PBL, students are active learners engaging in a project that provides real-world relevance for their learning.
In the 21st century workplace, success requires more than basic knowledge. In PBL, students not only learn
content more deeply, but they learn how to take responsibility, build confidence, solve problems, work
collaboratively, communicate ideas, and be creative innovators.
Educational standards emphasize real-world application of knowledge and skills, and the development of the
21st century competencies such as critical thinking, communication in a variety of media, and collaboration. PBL
provides an effective way to address such standards.
Modern technology, which students use so much in their lives, is a perfect fit with PBL. With technology, teachers
and students can connect with experts, partners, and audiences around the world, and use tech tools to find
resources and information, create products, and collaborate more effectively.
PBL allows teachers to work more closely with active, engaged students doing high-quality, meaningful work,
and in many cases to rediscover the job of learning alongside their students.
Current models of PBL are not like some past examples of doing projects in which student learning outcomes
are not clear. More rigorous and effective models of PBL have been refined and tested in recent years in a variety
of settings, subjects and grade levels.

The National Association of Colleges & Employers (www.naceweb.org) 2014 Job Outlook Survey of the top 10
transferrable soft skills, known as 21st Century Skills, needed by workers in every job
1. Ability to work in a team structure;
2. Ability to make decisions and solve problems;
3. Ability to plan, organize and prioritize work;
4. Ability to verbally communicate with people inside and outside the organization;
5. Ability to obtain and process information;
6. Ability to analyze quantitative data;
7. Technical knowledge related to the job;
8. Proficiency with computer software programs;
9. Ability to create and/or edit written reports;
10. Ability to sell or influence others.

Local Research
Results of an online Bismarck-Mandan Chamber survey (2012-13) showed local employers want students who
express ideas and negotiate;
work with others;
generate and apply new ideas and solutions;
evaluate options;
have direction and initiative;
have strong and flexible tech skills;
manage time and meet deadlines;
are adaptable.

In 2014 Chamber business leaders, legislators, and public school staff determined students need, in order by frequency
Knowledge
math
reading
literature
basic skills/foundation
experiential learning
applied knowledge
writing
speaking

Attitude
curious
engaged
responsible
happy; positive
confident
flexible
self-motivated
open to change
open to differing views
can do attitude
resilient
grit
love of life

Skills
communication skills
technology skills
critical thinking skills
planning skills
time management skills
problem solving skills
coping skills
creativity
how to discern fact from myth
how to access knowledge & information
collaboration skills
relationship skills
math skills
analytical/reasoning skills
transitional skills
listening skills
social and life skills
self-assessment
financial literacy

Habits
perseverance (dont just give up or quit)
strong work ethic
taking individual ownership of their learning/work
resourcefulness
goal-oriented
service to others
initiative
teamwork
accountability
punctuality
physical endurance
lifelong learner
conscious of physical/mental health

Bismarck Public School Research
BPS high school teachers identified these student behaviors to achieve success in life, college & careers (2012; 2014)
Setting goals and making wise choices to reach those goals;
Thinking critically and creatively to solve problems;
Making connections from learning to real life;
Communicating effectively across all content areas;
Exerting effort and persevering in solving problems or completing tasks;
Collaborating, cooperating and accepting others;
Asking and answering questions;
Being active, engaged, excited, and internally motivated to learn;
Reflecting on learning, self-assess, and correct or refine own work;
Using technology as a tool to advance and/or demonstrate learning;
Being responsible to self, school, and community.

BPS high school teachers also identified these teacher behaviors to help students reach goals (2012)
Communicating expectations;
Providing meaningful feedback;
Utilizing effective cooperative learning strategies;
Using effective questioning techniques;
Using and present critical thinking skills;
Facilitating real-life learning and making connections;
Creating engaging lessons;
Using techniques of differentiated instruction;
Collaborating and planning to ensure students learning, achievement, and positive experiences;
Building relationships; knowing students;
Modeling desired student actions (how to learn and how to love learning).

According to focus group data gathered in 2012-13, BPS students want
more movement;
more hands-on through creation, performance, experimentation;
more control of and independence in learning;
more choice;
more surprises and excitement;
to feel connected and respected.

According to focus group data collected in 2012-13, BPS elementary teachers want
to think and do things in multiple ways;
to be empowered and self-motivated;
to make choices;
to apply learning through projects;
to be creative, engaged and passionate;
to think globally;
to connect across the curriculum;
multi-age groups and more movement;
technology skills and application;
technology tools (online content vs. all textbook);
to work through student interests;
to experiment, create and apply;
to implement non-traditional scheduling and hours.

BPS Vision for Project Based Learning:
Bismarck Public Schools (BPS) is committed to ensuring academic excellence for every child through a focus on
21
st
century teaching and learning.
Project Based Learning (PBL) is a vehicle that inspires a passion for learning and promotes discovery as we aim to
ensure academic excellence for all students.
Through PBL students will be provided authentic opportunities to develop the academic, social and personal
skills to be career, college, and community ready.

Roles by Group:
School Board members should
be familiar with Project Based Learning and why its being implemented;
be responsible for providing resources to train teachers in PBL 101;
witness some projects and share their own interest in PBL with others in the community.

Principals will
learn about Project Based Learning to help teachers, students, parents, etc. understand PBL;
let Central Office know what they need to successfully implement PBL;
help build excitement for PBL among staff, students, parents and others.

Teachers will
be trained in PBL 101 by the end of the 2017 school year; a training schedule has been developed;
register for courses at http://student.moodle.bismarckschools.org/course/view.php?id=5944;
know that PBL is the how not the what of instruction. PBL complements structures Bismarck Schools already
has in place, such as local and state standards, Standards Based Grading, Daily 5, Writers Workshop, Caf, etc.;
be able to use PBL to meet the needs of students, improve their motivation to learn, make learning more
relevant and meaningful, promote civic participation and global awareness, teach content standards, and
include opportunities to integrate technology in education;
will be energized by increased student engagement and supported by their peers, students, parents, etc.;
talk to their building principal if they have questions about PBL.

Students will
become focused and disciplined when doing projects that cement their knowledge and learning;
make sense of what they learn through revision of and reflection on their work;
apply complex curriculum (individually and in groups) that involves collecting and applying evidence based
information and problem solving;
be motivated to use personal, group and technology resources to solve real world problems and create products
that audiences can review and respond to.

Parents, Business Leaders, Community will
have opportunities to serve as resources, view projects, and observe students who are excited and engaged in
questioning and learning.;
see PBL motivate and create meaningful learning opportunities for students;
feel that graduates are ready to be excellent employees and problem solvers.