Project-Based Learning (PBL) (Easy English Course)

Description

How hard does it sometimes feel to engage students in the lessons, to replace superficial learning with a deep understanding of topics and long-lasting competencies?

Educators may struggle to motivate students… while students struggle to see the usefulness of school activities.

If you also cope with similar issues, Project-based learning may interest you. In Project-based learning (PBL), pupils develop deep knowledge and skills through engaging in learning activities within a student-led, real-world, meaningful context.

PBL can be used in any subject, is easily implementable, and does not require teachers to turn their job upside down.

During the course, participants will not only discover what PBL is through a variety of inspiring examples, but they’ll also find out how their curriculum topics can be incorporated into PBL.

Participants will learn which tools are best for their students, how to effectively evaluate their learning, and how to be a good mentor who promotes critical thinking, autonomy, collaboration, and more 21st-century skills.

Finally, they will have the chance to plan a successful, manageable PBL activity.

The course explains every concept in clear, simple English and employs a variety of tools to ensure full comprehension. The trainer, experienced in supporting learners with limited English proficiency, provides additional assistance whenever necessary.

A mix of pictures, videos, step‑by‑step instructions, and collaborative activities guarantees that no participant is left behind. Participants remain engaged through group learning, with continuous support always available.

By the end of the course, participants will have realized how PBL can provide them with great solutions for deep learning experiences, and they’ll have gained confidence and enthusiasm to exploit the opportunities it offers.

Practical strategies and tools will be available for them to foster students’ key competencies and to make a difference both in their lessons and in their schools.

Finally, they will be deeply aware of how this teaching strategy can make learning more long-lasting and will be ready to use a working PBL model they will have designed for their own students!

Note: Please remember to bring your own laptop, as it will be required during the course.

Learning outcomes

Participants in the course will learn to:

• Understand what PBL really is and how it can be useful for any educator;
• Incorporate curriculum topics from any discipline into PBL;
• Getting hints and tools to motivate students and boost their key competencies;
• Gain insight into a variety of activities that you can use in PBL (and beyond);
• Confidently implement PBL in their classes and/or school communities;
• Assess PBL products;
• Evaluate students’ learning of curriculum topics;
• Create detailed, effective, manageable PBL lesson plans.

Tentative schedule

Day 1 – Course introduction

• Introduction to the course, the school, and the external week activities;
• Icebreaker activities;
• Practice with translation tools
• Presentations of the participants’ schools;
• Understanding what Project-Based Learning really is;
• Motivation in PBL.

Day 2 – PBL vs other methodologies – 21st-century competencies

• Project-based learning and Projects: any differences?;
• Project, Task, Inquiry-based Learning;
• 21st Century Competencies.

Day 3 –  Implementing PBL

• PBL: finding a topic;
• PBL: the structure;
• The Driving Question;
• Frequently Asked Questions.

Day 4 – PBL design and assessment

• Creating a detailed PBL lesson plan;
• Kinds of Assessment.

Day 5 – Make it happen

• Completing and presenting your PBL plan and rubric;
• Brainstorming and discussing school-wide PBL programs.
• Sharing ideas and group reflection to refine strategies and approaches.

Day 6 – Course closure and cultural activities

• Course evaluation: round-up of acquired competencies, feedback, and discussion;
• Awarding of the course Certificate of Attendance;
• Excursion and other external cultural activities.

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