Every educator knows the pressure to do more with less continues to grow, and with it, the need for innovative ways to engage students, enhance learning, and even streamline administrative tasks. At Britannica Education, we put teachers first, understanding the pressures they face to deliver more impactful learning experiences with fewer resources. Our Professional Learning Services are thoughtfully crafted to empower teachers and provide them with the tools and strategies to improve student interaction and experience.

Our team is excited to introduce a brand-new, expert-led workshop series on Project-Based Learning (PBL)! This in-depth four-part cohort model is taught by PBL-certified educators at Britannica Education and is designed to immerse educators in the foundational principles and best practices of Project-Based Learning.

A Quick Refresher: What is Project-Based Learning?

You’re likely already familiar with the ins and outs of Project-Based Learning, but here is a quick look at what it is and why it’s crucial for student engagement and progress.

Project-Based Learning (PBL) is a dynamic classroom approach in which students actively explore real-world challenges and complex questions. Unlike traditional education models that are often confined to theoretical knowledge, PBL immerses students in hands-on problem-solving and critical thinking tasks to promote deeper understanding and knowledge retention. This method not only enhances learning outcomes but also develops key skills such as collaboration, communication, and creativity. As students engage in projects over an extended period, they learn to manage resources, integrate feedback, and adapt their strategies to evolving challenges.¹

Britannica Project-Based Learning: About the Course

This course is specially designed for K-12 teachers, teacher leaders, and instructional leadership members to equip participants with relevant, evidence-based strategies through a hands-on, collaborative learning experience. This workshop will span critical aspects of PBL, from understanding its principles and how it enhances student learning to project design and assessment. Educators will leave the cohort equipped with the tools and knowledge to re-imagine and transform their classrooms into dynamic, student-centered learning environments.

Why Britannica’s PBL Workshop? 5 Ways We Stand Out

1. Comprehensive Approach: At Britannica Education, we’re all about meaningful content, and our Professional Learning Courses are no exception. Our PBL course introduces the structure and rationale behind PBL to provide a solid foundation upon which educators can build. Further, our PBL framework is built on nine components, derived from research and practice, that distinguish between traditional projects and true Project-Based Learning, giving you what you need to ensure all students have access to effective learning experiences.

2. Active and Applied Learning: Educators who participate in this workshop not only learn key Project-Based Learning techniques, but they also have the unique opportunity to experience this way of learning from a student’s perspective. Participants work on real projects and receive live support from our facilitators. The culmination of the cohort involves educators presenting their PBL units, which mirrors the student experience and reinforces learning. This ultimately deepens educators’ understanding of student interactions and promotes a more authentic learning opportunity.

3. Certified Expertise: Our workshops are led by PBL-certified educators at Britannica Education to ensure participants receive high-quality, research-based instruction. We also leverage Britannica’s trusted, high-quality resources to support PBL through relevant, issue-driven questions to drive learning and excite learners. This approach not only benefits educators but also makes learning more relevant and engaging for students.

4. Ongoing Support: As with all our resources, Britannica Education’s support extends beyond the workshop series alone. Our team recognizes PBL implementation is an ongoing process, as there is always an opportune time to grow PBL skills and facilitate application. We aim to complement existing school programs and show educators how to integrate PBL without reinventing the wheel. Through an ongoing partnership with your institution, we can run training courses for new and additional teacher cohorts over time.

5. Customizable Solutions: We understand that not every institution can dedicate four days to a workshop, so we are pleased to offer customizable solutions. Whether you’re looking for a standalone program, a development partnership, or educator solutions that pair well with your existing Britannica solutions (such as Britannica School, LaunchPacks, or ImageQuest), we can tailor our offerings to meet your unique needs.

When is the Right Time for Project-Based Learning Development?

It’s always the right time! Now is the perfect opportunity to lay the groundwork for the upcoming school year. By integrating PBL into your curriculum early, you can alleviate some of the burdens from administrators’ plates while setting the stage for a transformative learning experience. Our PBL training sessions are designed to do just that by offering both synchronous and asynchronous learning opportunities to fit the diverse needs of your educational team.

By partnering with Britannica Professional Learning, you’re not just adopting a new teaching strategy; you’re embracing a pathway to more meaningful learning and teaching. Our tailored products and ongoing support are designed to grow with your educational community, ensuring that the benefits of PBL are realized both now and in the future. Let’s work together to create learning experiences that inspire, engage, and empower every student.

¹ Project-Based Learning | Center for Teaching and Learning. (n.d.) © 2024 Boston University. Accessed on April 24, 2023. www.bu.edu/ctl/ctl_resource/project-based-learning-teaching-guide