Project-Based Learning Initiatives

Odisha shows the country what happens when learning moves beyond the classroom and textbooks—into real life.   Guess what? In a pilot program across 80 government-run schools, over 11,000 tribal students were introduced to project-based learning—yes, learning by doing. From recording the daily routines of local weavers to huddling over handmade charts of village haats—stalls, prices, and timings sketched in rich detail—it was learning rooted in real life.  — and the results were powerful: 📚 53% improvement in Odia literacy 📚 +70% improvement in social sciences between two summative assessments  📚 87% of teachers reported a positive shift in student engagement and learning  This wasn't just an “intervention.” It was an invitation — for learners to lead, apply, explore, and engage with the world around them. As someone, who is deeply engaged in experiential youth oriented education experience, this reinforces what many grassroot educators and changemakers already know When learning is local, participatory, and purpose-driven, it transforms lives. India’s learning future lies not in more rote learning, but in more relevance, agency & hands on learning. Have you seen a school, community, or classroom reimagine learning in ways that worked? What would it look like if every learner had access to project-based, community-rooted learning? PS: The Times Of India For those curious about the data, I’ve shared the article I referenced in the comments below. #LearningFutures #EducationInnovation #ProjectBasedLearning #TribalEducation #India #SystemsThinking #YouthEmpowerment #InclusiveLearning

If we want teachers to design learning that's real-world, meaningful and hands-on, we need to radically re-think Professional Development for teachers. Here are 3 ideas to shake-up your PD in August before school starts: #1: For real-world connection: Partner with 3-4 non-profit groups in your community. For a 1/2 day, send your teachers out. Have them volunteer with the groups. Learn what they're about and build relationships. For the 1/2 half, teachers create a presentation for their colleagues about how the organisation could be integrated into project-design, exhibition spaces or learning experiences for kids. Outcome: knowledge of local organizations combating local issues. Contact people within these organizations. Easier real-world integration learning. BONUS: Invite guests from other local community organizations during your ongoing PD over the year to give 1 hour presentations about their mission and what they do. #2: For subject-relevance: Partner with local companies that are integrating academic learning into what they do. Send your English teachers to a publishing company or the local newspaper. Send your science teachers to the bio-tech company in the next town. Send your math teachers to visit engineers. Use 1/2 the day to visit these places, talk about the real processes they use academic learning in. For the 1/2 have of the day, teachers work in their subject groups to dive deep into how their subjects can be connected to real careers in project design. Outcome: experience for how subject learning is used in content and processes outside of school. Relationships with professionals who can be experts for kids, projects that support kids to become writers, scientists, mathematicians, engineers, etc. #3: For MAKING: Use what teachers have planned for the first project of the year and spend 1/2 of the day having your teachers MAKE the product they want their students to make. Want kids to make a film? Go out and make a film. Portrait drawing? Draw it. Use 1/2 of the day de-constructing the making process. What steps are necessary? What supports are necessary for kids? Use this experience to help understand better planning for Project-Based Learning. Outcome: More scaffolding for kids in the making process. Creating frames to give freedom and allowing for more student-driven work that is high-quality and integrating a "learning by doing" experience in PBL. BONUS: Make this a regular part of project planning. From the wise words of Jeffrey Robin: Do the project yourself, first. Basically, get teachers OUT. Move PD from academic learning and into experiential learning. We cannot expect teaching for kids to change unless we change how teachers are learning. Need help? Reach out. info@imagineif.dk 📸 : 2023: Lynghede School partnering with Kongernes Jelling where teachers became students and used the museum to create a whole-staff theater performance in one day. #pbl #projectbasedlearning

Who’s crushing it in Career Readiness & Work-Based Learning? 🚀 I was recently asked to list some high schools across America that are truly moving the needle when it comes to career-connected learning, work-based learning, and experiential education so that others could learn best practices. While this is by no means an exhaustive list, here are some standouts that I am aware of. Each are worth knowing about, visiting, and perhaps even emulating: 🔹 Big Picture Learning – A vibrant network of schools that emphasizes personalized learning plans and real-world internships. 🔹 Milton Hershey School (PA) – Requires students to obtain industry certifications before graduation. 🔹 Ohio’s Graduation Pathway – Offers a graduation option where students can complete 250 hours of work experience as part of their HS requirements. 🔹 CAPS Network – Immerses HS students in professional, innovative, and entrepreneurial education by partnering with businesses. 🔹 High Tech High (CA) – Renowned for project-based learning; students solve real-world problems across disciplines. 🔹 School of Environmental Studies (MN) – AKA the "Zoo School," they integrate project-based learning with environmental science in partnership w/the Minnesota Zoo. 🔹 Al Kennedy Alternative HS (OR) – A leader in sustainability and stewardship, offering hands-on experiences in organic farming and environmental monitoring. 🔹 West-MEC (AZ) – A public Career & Technical Education (CTE) district that provides industry-recognized certifications and phenomenal industry partnerships. 🔹 Merced Union High School District (CA) – Requires at least two CTE courses for graduation, ensuring all students gain career-relevant skills before they graduate. 🔹 Cristo Rey St. Viator (NV) – A college preparatory school which combines rigorous academics with a Corporate Work Study Program, gaining four years of professional experience before graduation. 🔹 Fort Smith Public Schools (AR) – Home to the Peak Innovation Center, and a required 8th grade class for all students to gain intentional, hands-on career exploration utilizing Paxton Patterson Career Labs. 🔹 Henrico County Public Schools (VA) – A leader in career and technical education (CTE), industry partnership programming in Regency mall, the American birthplace of CTE Signing day, and unique Career Rodeo event. These schools are doing things differently—and successfully preparing students for both college and careers by integrating education with real-world experiences. But, I don't know what I don't know! 🔎 What other schools or programs belong on this list? I know I missed about 99 of them (probably yours!). A number of colleagues would love to hear about more schools that are redefining career readiness and experiential learning! Drop your thoughts in the comments! ⬇️⬇️⬇️ #Education #CareerReadiness #WorkBasedLearning #ExperientialLearning #CTE #FutureofWork #HighSchoolInnovation #CareerConnectedLearning #ReDefinetheGoal

Ever wondered why students truly thrive when they dive into authentic projects and internships during their middle and high school years? Let's break it down. Real-World Relevance: When students tackle genuine problems, they're not just memorizing facts—they're applying knowledge in meaningful ways. This approach makes learning more engaging and mirrors real-life scenarios, preparing them for future challenges. Skill Development: Engaging in authentic projects and internships helps students develop critical thinking, problem-solving, and collaboration skills. These experiences foster self-directed learning and reflective practice, essential for success in today's dynamic world. Increased Engagement: Schools that implement project-based learning (PBL) often see a decline in absenteeism and an improvement in student achievement. When learning is relevant and students see the impact of their work, they're more motivated to participate and excel. Career Exploration: Internships provide students with valuable exposure to various professions, helping them make informed decisions about their future careers. This early insight can be pivotal in shaping their educational and professional paths. Incorporating authentic projects and internships into education isn't just a trend—it's a transformative approach that equips students with the tools they need to succeed beyond the classroom. Let's champion these experiences to foster a generation of innovative and resilient learners! 🚀 Reach out to myself or Brett Thompson and learn more about how we accomplish this through the Naperville District 203 Career Internship Program #Education #ProjectBasedLearning #Internships #StudentSuccess #FutureReady