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Keep It Real With PBL, Elementary
Written for busy teachers with realistic challenges in mind, this interactive, visually accessible guide introduces a clear and efficient process for planning enriching project-based learning units.
- Grade Level: PreK-12
- ISBN: 9781544369341
- Published By: Corwin
- Series: Corwin Teaching Essentials
- Year: 2019
- Page Count: 160
- Publication date: November 05, 2019
Price: $39.95
Description
The book's companion website features an updated guide to help teachers integrate technology into PBL experiences for online and blended learning instruction.
Is project-planning a project in and of itself? Does project-based learning (PBL) feel more like a pipe dream than a reality in your classroom? Dr. Jennifer Pieratt, a consultant and former teacher herself, knows just where you're coming from.
Developed from the author's experience in the trenches of project-based learning over the past decade, this book will lead you through the planning process for an authentic PBL experience in a clear and efficient way. Project-based learning has been found to develop workforce readiness, innovation, and student achievement. In this book, the keys to implementing PBL effectively are explored in a simple, easy-to-use format. In addition to thought-provoking questions for journaling, readers will find a visually accessible style featuring
• #realtalk soundbites that honor the challenges to implementing PBL
• Tips and resources to support the project-planning process
• Planning forms to guide you through planning your projects
• Key terminology and acronyms in PBL
• Exercises to help you reflect and process throughout your project plans
If mastering a PBL framework is on your list, prepare to cross it off with the help of this book!
Key features
• Brainstorming
• Project Planning
• Assessment/Rubrics
• Benchmarking
• Student Self-Assessment
• Calendar/Daily Learning (Pacing)
• Launching Your Project
Author(s)

Jennifer Ray Pieratt
Jenny Pieratt, Ph.D. is a Progressive Educator and Teacherpreneur. She was a founding staff member at High Tech High North County, a former School Development Coach at New Tech Network, and National Faculty at BIE. In 2016 Jenny became the Founder and President of CraftED — a leading voice for the "mainstream wave" of PBL implementation, through virtual and onsite professional development and coaching, active networking, and practitioner-based publications. With a PhD in educational philosophy, specifically PBL, Jenny prides herself on staying in the trenches with teachers and advocating for teacher support to bring HQPBL to classrooms across the U.S. Jenny is an active blogger and speaker, former teacher of grades 5-10, equity advocate, and proud small business owner. Jenny resides in Cardiff-by-the-Sea, CA with her husband and two children.
Table of Contents
Acknowledgments
About the Author
Introduction
Letter to Elementary Teachers
How to Use This Book
Chapter 1: The What and Why of PBL
An Overview of Project-Based Learning
PrBL vs. PBL
Why PBL?
What Is HQPBL?
But They Aren’t Ready!
Chapter 2: The Role of the Teacher in PBL
Chapter 3: Project Brainstorming
Where to Look for Ideas
Collaborative Brainstorming
PBL Brainstorming Planning Form
Chapter 4: Planning PBL for Your Year
Big Picture and Big Ideas
Make Content Connections
Pacing Your Project
Identify a Real Connection
Is There Enough Juice for the Squeeze?
Chapter 5: Planning With the End in Mind
Enduring Understandings
Driving Questions
Final Products
Voice and Choice
Culminating Experience
Chapter 6: Benchmarking Your Project
What Is Benchmarking?
Deliverables
Chapter 7: Assessment
Best Practices in Assessment Apply to PBL
How to Build Your Project Rubric
Planning for Formative Assessment
Student Engagement in PBL Assessment
Chapter 8: Planning Daily Learning in PBL
Create Your Project Calendar
Managing the Project
Daily Schedule
Chapter 9: Launching Your Project
The Hook
Knows/Need to Knows
Project Guidelines
Project Groups
Home Communication
Chapter 10: Next Steps
1. Prototype Your Project
2. Seek Out Collegial Feedback
3. Plan for Exhibiting Student Work
4. Collect Community Connections
5. Scaling and Sustaining HQPBL
Appendix A: Complete Project Plans
Grade 1
Grade 5
Appendix B: Blank Project Planning Forms
References
Index
Reviews
This is the book PBL educators have been waiting for! Whether you are starting out on your PBL journey or have been at it for years, this book is full of helpful ideas, tactics, and exemplars—the kind of book that never even makes it to the shelf because you are constantly using it. Jennifer Pieratt knows how to help educators realize their own potential to facilitate powerful PBL experiences for all students. This book is a window into her years of expertise and experiences.Emily Liebtag
Getting Smart
For someone new to teaching or to project-based learning, this workbook simplifies the process without letting go of essential elements that make the project a valuable educational experience.Marcia LeCompte
Dufrocq Elementary School, Baton Rouge, LA
This book is an excellent tool for any educator wanting to implement project-based learning in their classroom. It provides a step-by-step guide that takes you through the thought process—from posing the question for the project—the planning that is involved before implementing the project, the process for implementing the project, assessment of the project, and the background resources needed to begin the process.Ellen Asregadoo
Public School 190, Brooklyn, NY
It is inspiring to see how our students can make a positive impact on our world when we as educators empower them through project-based learning. This book provides the necessary structures, supports, and encouragement to shift to these dynamic practices so that we can better serve all learners. I have witnessed firsthand the incredible transformation when educators shift practice to embrace the complexities of real-world challenges, and I am excited that this resource will help to spread these powerful learning opportunities to better serve all learners.Devin Vodicka
AltSchool, Oceanside, CA
In her introduction to Keep It Real With PBL, Elementary, Jenny Pieratt describes her commitment to be direct with teachers about developing engaging and strong PBL experiences for their students. She has done just that, combining her deep experience from varied perspectives—PBL teacher and colleague, coach, consultant—to provide a straightforward but detailed path to developing high quality PBL opportunities for learners. Jenny is at once optimistic and realistic, encouraging and pragmatic. While this book is designed for teachers just starting out in PBL work, experienced PBL teachers will benefit from the thoroughness of Jenny’s descriptions of planning and implementing strong PBL experiences—and will almost surely be introduced to useful new resources as well.Rick Lear
New Tech Network, Envision Learning Partners
For Instructors
Related Resources
- Access to companion resources is available with the purchase of this book.