PBL Project Framework
Students need a project-based learning framework to pull them through their projects without missing any important steps along the way. Engineers use the design thinking model, scientists use a scientific problem-solving model, and entrepreneurs use the business model canvas. We’ve put together a roadmap or blueprint that guides students through ANY project-based learning experience — from exploration to application. Our PBL Framework allows students to determine what they wish to learn and how they wish to learn it. The framework allows for greater student ownership and therefore, greater 21st century skill development (creative thinking, critical thinking, executive functioning etc.).
Your project-based learning framework should go beyond just milestones and action steps. The PBL framework should include plenty of space for ongoing collaboration, reflection and iteration. Without a proper system in place, students can race to the end, complete tasks at a surface level or work in silos. The PBL framework should expect iterative, agile thinking and growth from students.
The Project-based learning framework below provided below guides students from investigation to action to presentation. Extend your classroom, explore civic responsibility, and get your students involved in their local and global community. Have your students address real-world problems and complex issues. Eg. "How can we design a more sustainable city?" Students identify local issues and develop a plan of action to make a positive impact within their community.
Access and customize the PBL Framework below by signing up for a Spinndle account.
STAGE 1: LAUNCH
Student Tasks
Explore the topic. Make a brainstorm, mind-map or list of everything you already know and wonder about this topic.
Explore 3 wonderings further. Share the resources you used (books, websites, experts etc.) and choose 1 wondering that you find the most interesting.
Create a driving question around your wondering. This question will help guide the rest of your project work.
Plan investigation.
Share one need or problem you are going to tackle in this project. Why is this topic important to you?
STAGE 2: UNDERSTAND THE PROBLEM
Student Tasks
Choose a method of investigation: survey, interview, research, observation, participation. Explain why you chose this method.
Create a plan. Include the following information: who will you interview/survey/ observe and when, why you chose this person/people/event.
Put together a strong question list. What do you need to find out?
Assemble a focus group. Describe people who experience the problem. Think about age, job, interests etc.
Conduct research and share findings. Synthesize and organize your findings into an info graph or document.
STAGE 3: DEFINE THE PROBLEM
Student Tasks
Identify with your end-users or audience. What are their jobs, pains, keeps and gains?
Complete an empathy map.
Break down your information. Collect everything you've learned about the problem and break it down into simple ideas. Eg. One idea per sticky note. Group together similar ideas and name each group. Do you see any patterns? Share your groupings.
Create a journey map. Write out a detailed timeline of your users experience with the problem, start to finish.
Define the problem. Who is affected by the need? Why does this need exist? Why is this need worth solving?
STAGE 4: DESIGN A SOLUTION
Student Tasks
Ideate solutions. Create a list of 'how might we' questions addressing the need in your problem statement. Eg. How might we ___(verb) for ____(user). ____(need)_____ in order to _____ (reason) ____. Eg. How might we create a tutoring program for students who struggle with math because they aren't getting enough support.
Brainstorm a list of ideas to go with each 'how might we' question. Provide quick drawings.
Stress test your ideas. Run your solutions by peers and your end-user. Is it realistic? Doable? Collect feedback and narrow down to your top ideas.
STAGE 5: ACTION PLAN
Student Tasks
Set a SMART goal.
Determine objectives. Answer the 5 w’s. Who? What? Where? When? Why?
Create a timeline of to do’s
Share your progress. Carry out your plan of action and share your work as you go. Get feedback, iterate and revise.
STAGE 6: PRESENT
Student Tasks
Create a storyboard and outline your goals. Visualize how your audience will see your slides, video or prototype start to finish. What are your goals? Do you want to persuade, inform, inspire or hook your audience? How do you plan on meeting these goals?
Create bullet points. Make sure you touch on the main points and arrange information to meet your objective.
Put it all together. Get feedback and make revisions. How does your messaging coming across?
STAGE 7: REFLECT & EXTEND
Student Tasks
Summarize your experience. You can use a journal, collage, photobook, blog or vlog to reflect. Consider what worked well and what could be changed. How did this experience impact you personally?
Add to your work. Brainstorm what else could be done to continue your work? Who else could benefit from your work? How can you apply your work to a different area?
Share your extended work.
This PBL project planner is the most extensive version. You can customize or cut-down the roadmap below to suit the needs or your particular topic, curricula and students. Access and customize the PBL Project Planner below by signing up for a Spinndle account.
Spinndle is used by some of the most modern classrooms in the world.
“We used Spinndle as our co-learning space to engage in peer critique, iteration, and worked through problems. We also used Spinndle for project management. Instead of their work living in Google Drive silos, Spinndle offered a public collaboration space to work through the project. ”
“I changed the way I learned by seeing what other people said and brainstorming ideas to make my project and their better. I feel like an actual entrepreneur. ”
“Spinndle helps students move meaningfully though phases of a project”
“Spinndle will document the growth and progression of project-based learning.”
“Spinndle helped me understand my learning progress, what I need to work on, and what I do well.”
“Spinndle allowed some of my truant students and struggling learners to catch up with more confidence and control. ”
Want to test Spinndle out with your students for free? Get your students started in minutes with our practice project.