An Approach That Works - Project and Problem-Based learning

Self-paced

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2 PD Hours

Problem-Based Learning -

This session will address the principles of problem-based learning (PBL) and provide opportunities to engage with this learner-centered approach, step by step, by collaborating with colleagues. You will identify the language strategies that learners need to support these steps: explaining an authentic problem scenario, researching, thinking through, and proposing solutions, identifying consequences, and applying a solution. The facilitator will share problem scenarios for different levels of language proficiency and demonstrate scaffolds and instructional strategies that help learners demonstrate their critical thinking when presenting solutions to a problem. Resources include materials from the national Teaching the Skills That Matter Toolkit.

Learning Objectives

Upon completion of this professional development activity/course, you will be able to:

Provide your students with the rationale for participating in problem-based learning (PBL)
Use the steps of the problem-solving technique to help learners work through a problem scenario
Locate and/or generate meaningful problem scenarios
Implement at least one scaffold and one instructional strategy to help students successfully engage with the PBL approach

IPQs Addressed: 4, 5
Online Facilitated

Mar. 19, 2026, 2PM-4PM

2 PD Hours

Project-Based Learning -

This session will define project-based learning (PrjBL) and provide a rationale and strategies for implementing this approach with adult learners at various levels of literacy and language proficiency. You will explore the PrjBL process step by step, identify adaptations for different levels, and discuss how to apply these takeaways to their context. Sample projects from current classroom teachers as well as from the national Teaching the Skills That Matter Toolkit will be provided.

Follow-up coaching is available through SABES to support you in integrating new tools and strategies into your teaching practice. To arrange a coach, please contact the PD Center Director for ESOL, Dori McCormack, at dmccormack@edc.org; for ELA, contact Evonne Peters at evonne_peters@worlded.org.

Learning Objectives

Upon completion of this professional development activity/course, you will be able to:

Articulate key elements of project-based learning (PrjBL)
Identify how PrjBL is a means to rigorous, content-focused instruction that develops key "soft" skills, academic skills, language, and content knowledge.
Consider how PrjBL can be implemented in various adult education classes, including ESOL and ELA
Access resources for further learning about PrjBL

This course is a collaboration between ELA and ESOL Curriculum & Instruction PD Centers.

IPQs Addressed: 4, 5
Online Facilitated

Full course description