Blog
The History of Project-Based Learning (PBL)
Project-based education has a long history, although it might seem like a relatively new approach that has become popular only in the last few decades. In this blog we cover the history of Project-Based Learning and share that history visually as we trace the concept of learning by doing back centuries. The Socratic method of…
Read MoreReigniting Energy and Passion in the Classroom with Student-led Learning
I was a deer in the headlights when I was first asked to come up with a question to drive my own individual research for a project that would later be presented to community members and fellow students. What would I focus on? What was important? What was I supposed to be learning from this…
Read More5 Tips to Engage with Underperforming Students
Increasing student achievement in traditional academic outcomes such as literacy, numeracy, and content knowledge is vital for post-secondary success. In recent decades, the definition of achievement has expanded to include essential skills like the 4C’s, Career Readiness, Wayfinding, and Social-Emotional Learning. This expanded definition of student success has been necessitated and accelerated by many factors,…
Read MoreStudent-led Learning – The What and How
One of my early attempts at student-led learning was through an extracurricular program outside of the core classes I was responsible for teaching. The inspiration was rooted in introspection. I was experiencing more behavior issues in my core classes and, upon reflection, recognized why. I wasn’t involving students in the creation of our learning experience…
Read MoreTwo things every educator can do today to help youth find post-pandemic resilience
Right now, many young people are vibrating with the uncertainty, isolation, and collective trauma due to this global pandemic which has captured everyone’s attention. As responsible adults, it is crucial to help our youth shift their attention to positive innate qualities to help them regrow their courage, strength, and resilience. Here are two simple yet…
Read MoreStudent engagement in the classroom post-COVID-19
I recently read a blog by The Annie E. Casey Foundation called “Reengaging Students Who Lost Their Way During the Pandemic.” It reminded me of Josh. Josh was a student of mine a few years back, his reputation as a rebellious young man preceded him. Our class was primarily 9th graders and, at 18 years-old,…
Read MoreCompetency-Based Education: Definition and Examples
In this blog, we will define Competency-Based Education (CBE) and discuss how the essential components of CBE work together to transform learning in K12 schools and districts. We will also examine some of the specific benefits CBE brings to learners, teachers, and communities. Finally, we will present two CBE classroom scenarios with examples. Defining Competency-Based…
Read MorePBL & CBE Rubrics: What You Need To Know
The creation of frameworks for planning, executing, and evaluating learning outcomes is a necessary part of the educational process. One of the more common ways to set and assess expectations is through the use of a rubric. Rubrics are tools that help guide learners through a task, skill, or project and assist in assessing their…
Read MoreLet the Revolution Begin!
We’re excited to announce that our partner, the Cohasset (MA) Center for Student Coastal Research (CSCR), was recently awarded a NOAA education grant that will help “build the bridge” between hands-on summertime learning and school-year programs. CSCR engages “Varsity Research” teams of middle and high school students in authentic, community-driven inquiries throughout the watershed, from…
Read MoreFrom Pandemic to Possibility: Now is the Time to Consider Competency-Based Education
By Ben Owens and Joey Lee This blog was originally featured on Getting Smart “The main thing is to keep the main thing the main thing.” From the time I first read this famous Stephen Covey quote in the late 1980s, I’ve always used it as my litmus test for deciding if an initiative I…
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