Balanced Interview: PBL & Progressive Educator – Drew Perkins 🎙️

Published on: November 14, 2022

by Paul Romani (M.Ed.)

Exciting News! I had the pleasure of interviewing Drew Perkins, a project-based learning (PBL) expert and educator who is the Director of Professional Development at TeachThought. 🎉

This interview is packed with valuable insights about PBL and progressive education, and you won’t want to miss it!

To make things easier for you, I’ve broken the interview down into chapters, so you can jump straight to the parts that interest you the most. Plus, there are closed captions available for those who prefer to read along.

But that’s not all! I’ve also included links to Drew’s organizations and some of the resources he mentions in the interview. You won’t want to miss out on these incredible tools and insights.

And if you’re interested in hearing my own interview with Drew, I’ve included the link for that as well! 🎧🗣️

So what are you waiting for? Check out this amazing interview with Drew Perkins and learn how PBL and progressive education can transform the way we teach and learn! 🌟📚🎓

#PBL #ProgressiveEducation #EducationReform #TeachThought #ProjectBasedLearning #EducatorInterview #EducationInsights #TeacherTraining #EducationLeadership

TeachThought Pro-D Website, Blog & Podcast (PBL, Project-Based Learning)

https://www.teachthought.com/
https://wegrowteachers.com/blog/

Drew’s interview of Paul:
https://wegrowteachers.com/podcast-ep…

Drew’s Twitter
https://twitter.com/dperkinsed

What Is Project-Based Learning (PBL)?

In a world where traditional educational methods are being reevaluated, Project-Based Learning (PBL) stands out as a progressive teaching model that integrates knowledge and skills from various disciplines, focusing on real-world applications. PBL isn’t just a buzzword; it’s a transformative approach designed to prepare students for the complexities of the modern world by engaging them in meaningful, inquiry-based projects.

Understanding Project-Based Learning

Project-Based Learning is an instructional methodology that encourages students to learn and apply knowledge and skills through an engaging, real-world challenge or problem. Unlike conventional education methods that emphasize rote memorization, PBL immerses students in deep inquiry, fostering critical thinking, creativity, and collaborative skills.

Core Elements of PBL

Real-World Connection: Each project is grounded in real-life situations or challenges, making learning relevant and authentic. This context helps students understand why what they’re learning matters and how they can apply it outside the classroom.
Inquiry and Innovation: At its heart, PBL is inquiry-based. Students are encouraged to ask questions, research answers, and drive their learning journey. This open-ended nature fosters innovation as students are tasked with designing solutions or creating unique projects.
Student Voice and Choice: Project-based learning empowers students by offering them a voice and choice in their learning. By allowing students to make decisions about the project’s content and outcome, PBL enhances engagement and motivation.
Collaboration: Most projects require students to work in teams to solve problems. This collaboration is crucial for developing social and interpersonal skills, as it mimics real-world interactions and dependencies.
Revision and Reflection: An integral part of project-based learning is the iterative process of reflection and revision. Students are encouraged to think about what they’ve learned, how they’ve learned, and how they can improve their outcomes, which fosters a growth mindset.
Public Product: Finally, project-based learning often culminates in a public product or presentation. Sharing their work with a broader audience allows students to contribute to their community and take pride in their accomplishments.

Benefits of Project-Based Learning

Enhanced Engagement: By connecting learning to real-world problems, students often find PBL more engaging and motivating than traditional learning methods.
Development of Soft Skills: Project-based learning naturally integrates soft skills like teamwork, problem-solving, and communication, which are critical in the workforce.
Deeper Understanding of Material: Students tend to develop a deeper understanding of the material with PBL, as they are applying what they learn in meaningful ways.
Preparation for Real-Life Challenges: Through PBL, students learn to tackle complex problems, make decisions, and persevere through challenges, preparing them for real-life and workplace challenges.

Challenges and Considerations

While the benefits are significant, PBL can be challenging to implement. It requires thoughtful planning, flexibility, and resources. Teachers must also be prepared to step into a facilitator’s role, guiding inquiry rather than delivering content directly. Assessment can also be more complex, as it must evaluate both the process and the final product.

Conclusion

Project-Based Learning represents a shift towards more dynamic and meaningful education. By engaging students in comprehensive projects that address real-world problems, PBL not only enhances learning but prepares students for the complexities of today’s global landscape. As education continues to evolve, PBL offers a promising path forward that fosters active learning and prepares students for the future.