Project Based Learning

Welcome to our Project Based Learning Course Page

This page has a comprehensive list of our offerings for Project Based Learning. We provide professional development tailored to meet the needs of different partners. Our offerings for Project Based Learning  are aligned to Gold Standard Design Elements and Teaching Practices. We help educational institutions with real world relevance, inquiry and investigation, active engagement and ownership, collaboration and teamwork, application of knowledge and skills, critical thinking and problem solving, reflection and metacognition, authentic assessment, joy, motivation and lifelong learning skills. 

Any of the courses can be virtual or in person.  The allotted time for our courses can be customized as one hour, two hours, half day or full day trainings.  


Contact us at steammachinepd@gmail.com  for more details and information about the different professional development we offer and how to partner with us.

Project Based Learning Courses

Tapas Approach to Project Based Learning

 FOUNDATIONAL CONCEPTS

The Tapas Approach to Project Based Learning: An Introduction

This course can be broken into six one hour sessions or three two hour sessions.

Join us for an innovative journey into the world of project-based learning (PBL) designed for educators of all subjects, grades, and educational environments. This course is tailored to K-12 teachers seeking to enrich their teaching practices with student centered methodologies.

Delve into the foundations of project-based learning as we navigate through project brainstorming and initial planning phases. Our comprehensive “Tapas Approach” and four part framework ensures the development of rigorous and captivating projects that resonate with students across diverse learning contexts.

Additionally, participants will craft personalized PBL templates tailored to their unique classroom dynamics, emphasizing principles for interdisciplinary engagement.

The Tapas Approach to PBL: Establishing the Culture

Embark on a dynamic journey towards cultivating a vibrant culture in project-based learning (PBL). This course is tailored for educators K-12 eager to infuse their classrooms with interdisciplinary exploration and innovation.

Participants will delve into the essential components of fostering a conducive environment for PBL, including building a collaborative community, nurturing curiosity, and empathy. Through our work sessions educators will acquire practical ideas, strategies, and an array of curated resources to implement immediately in their classrooms.

Join us as we empower educators to cultivate a culture where creativity thrives, critical thinking flourishes, and students are inspired to become lifelong learners in the dynamic world of PBL.

Tapas Approach to Project Based Learning

ESSENTIAL ELEMENTS

The Tapas Approach to PBL: Authentic Inquiry & Rich Research

Dive into the realm of authentic inquiry and robust research within project-based learning (PBL) through this engaging course. Designed for educators seeking to deepen student learning experiences, this course focuses on integrating authentic inquiry and unique research practices into STEAM projects.

Throughout the course, participants will explore strategies for designing projects that spark genuine curiosity and promote rigorous investigation across disciplines. From crafting compelling research questions to leveraging diverse resources, educators will gain practical insights and innovative approaches to enrich student inquiry.

By the end of the course, teachers will walk away armed with a toolkit of practical ideas, strategies, and curated resources ready for immediate implementation in their classrooms. 

The Tapas Approach to PBL: Authenticity & Public Products


Begin a dynamic exploration of authenticity and the creation of public products within project-based learning (PBL) in this comprehensive course. Designed for educators K-12  eager to enhance student engagement and real-world relevance, this course focuses on integrating authentic experiences and public showcases into projects.


Throughout the course, participants will delve into strategies for designing projects that resonate with real-world challenges and produce tangible outcomes for authentic audiences. From identifying authentic contexts to facilitating meaningful collaboration, educators will gain practical insights and innovative approaches to infuse authenticity into their PBL endeavors.


By the course's end, teachers will walk away equipped with a repertoire of practical ideas, strategies, and curated resources ready for immediate implementation in their classrooms.

Tapas Approach to PBL: Student Autonomy

Embrace the opportunity to nurture student autonomy within project-based learning (PBL). This course is meticulously crafted for educators seeking to empower students as active agents in their learning journey.

Throughout this experience, participants will explore strategies for fostering student ownership, fostering independence, and cultivating a sense of agency within PBL environments. From scaffolding tasks to promoting self-directed inquiry, educators will discover practical ideas and innovative approaches to promote student autonomy effectively.

Join us as we delve into the intersection of education and student empowerment, equipping educators with a toolkit of actionable strategies, resources, and techniques. Walk away from this course with the confidence and tools to immediately implement student autonomy practices in your PBL classroom.

Tapas Approach to Project Based Learning

IMPLEMENTATION & ENHANCEMENT

Tapas Approach to PBL: Sequenced Small-Scale PBL 

Join us for an illuminating course focused on crafting sequenced small-scale project-based learning (PBL) experiences. Tailored for educators seeking to infuse their curriculum with hands-on, inquiry-driven activities, this course offers practical guidance on designing and implementing impactful projects.

Throughout the course, participants will explore strategies for breaking down larger concepts into manageable, sequenced projects that promote skill development and conceptual understanding. From structuring project timelines to scaffolding learning tasks, educators will gain practical insights and innovative approaches to facilitate small-scale PBL experiences.

By the course's conclusion, teachers will leave armed with a toolkit of practical ideas, strategies, and curated resources ready for immediate integration into their classrooms. Join us as we empower educators to create meaningful, sequenced projects that inspire curiosity, foster creativity, and deepen student learning.

Tapas Approach to PBL: Managing Activities

Immerse yourself in a transformative course focused on effective activity management within project-based learning (PBL). Tailored for educators seeking to optimize student engagement and streamline classroom dynamics, this course offers practical guidance on managing activities within the context of PBL.

Throughout the course, participants will explore strategies for organizing, facilitating, and assessing activities to maximize student learning outcomes. From structuring collaborative tasks to managing time effectively, educators will gain practical insights and innovative approaches to enhance the management of PBL activities.

By the course's conclusion, teachers will depart equipped with a toolkit of practical ideas, strategies, and curated resources ready for immediate implementation in their classrooms.

Tapas Approach to PBL: Technology Use

Discover the power of technology integration in project-based learning (PBL) through this dynamic course. Designed for educators eager to leverage digital tools to enhance student engagement and learning outcomes, this course provides practical guidance on integrating technology seamlessly into PBL.

Throughout the course, participants will explore innovative strategies for incorporating various forms of technology, including apps, software, and digital platforms, to enrich the PBL experience. 

By the course's conclusion, teachers will walk away armed with a toolkit of practical ideas, strategies, and curated resources ready for immediate implementation in their classrooms. Join us as we empower educators to harness the transformative potential of technology in PBL, fostering a dynamic and future-ready learning environment for students.

Tapas Approach to Project Based Learning

ASSESSMENT EVALUATION & REFLECTION

Tapas Approach to PBL: Reflection, Critique & Revision

Let us take an educational voyage of continuous improvement and growth within project-based learning (PBL) through this insightful course. Designed for educators committed to refining their teaching practices, this course focuses on the essential processes of reflection, critique, and revision within PBL.

Throughout the course, participants will explore strategies for fostering a culture of reflection and constructive feedback, empowering students to assess their work critically and make meaningful revisions. From facilitating peer critiques to guiding self-reflection activities, educators will gain practical insights and innovative approaches to enhance the reflective process in PBL.

Tapas Approach to PBL: Assessment

Discover assessment strategies tailored specifically for project-based learning (PBL) in this engaging course. Geared towards educators eager to refine their assessment practices, this course offers practical guidance on effectively evaluating student learning within PBL contexts.

Throughout the course, participants will delve into a variety of assessment techniques designed to authentically measure student understanding, skills, and competencies. From formative assessment tools to summative evaluation methods, educators will gain practical insights and innovative approaches to assess student progress and mastery within PBL projects.

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