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The PBL Academy provides project based learning instruction, structure, and on-going support for K-12 educators. The goal of the PBL Academy is to help teachers improve student achievement through rigorous, authentic projects that address academic standards as well as the development of 21st century skills. Watch this jaw-dropping animation/presentation by Ken Robinson that argues for a change in the current educational paradigm, and sheds light on the importance of the PBL Academy's goals.
Fundamental to the PBL Academy is the creation and strengthening of classroom to community bonds. Each project developed by participating teachers must address an actual local ‘need’ ─ an on-going business process, an enhancement of a municipal program, etc. This building of partnerships between classrooms and local enterprises has been one of the key elements in the success and growth of the PBL Academy concept.
The June 2011 session of The PBL Academy is complete and teachers are implementing the PBL units they designed and are ready to share their roses and thorns April 21st at our second follow-up session.
Since our first Academy in June 2009 (then known as Math Matters), a vibrant community of more than 280 educators (in all subject areas K-12) utilizing PBL in their classrooms has developed and is prospering throughout Southeastern Indiana and beyond. Most of these educators teach in traditional schools; some in totally project-based learning environments. Their use of the PBL instructional model varies from some teachers facilitating one or several projects per year to other teachers who have converted their classrooms to 'wall-to-wall' PBL. This growing community of PBL teachers will be increasingly supported through a PBL Coaches Cadre, a group of educators who are experienced in the project-based learning model and are available locally to provide mentoring and information to individual teachers and schools about this innovative and successful methodology.
Applications for the 2012-2013 PBL Academy are now being accepted. Please click here to view the informational flyer. Note that the 2012-13 Academy will be offering participants the choice of attending in Osgood (week of June 18) or Columbus (week of June 11). These 5-day workshops are intended for educators with little or no experience in Project Based Learning. Please click here to apply. Please note that application does not guarantee acceptance. Space is limited, so apply soon. (*** WE ARE OFFERING A 20% DISCOUNT ON THE $500 ACADEMY FEES, IF YOU REGISTER AS A GROUP OF 3 OR MORE.)
For more experienced PBL educators, we will be offering 2-3 day thematic project development sessions in which educators will collaboratively design projects with practitioners from selected industries such as aerospace, motorsports, supply chain, and nanoscience. One session will also focus on integrating Project Lead the Way materials into PBL units. These sessions are still under development but more details will be available soon.
Project based learning works. It consistently results in enhanced student interest and involvement as well as in the development of stronger collaboration, critical thinking and problem solving skills. The PBL Academy is committed to building and supporting a strong PBL community in Indiana one teacher at a time.
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