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Project-Based Learning+
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Project-Based Learning+
Enhancing Academic Learning and Essential Life Skills

Second Edition

Foreword by Yaritza Villalba



September 2025 | 224 pages | Corwin

Project-based learning PLUS essential life skills equals student and educator success

Imagine not only helping kids reach their potential academically, but as citizens in society as well. In this updated edition of Jorge Valenzuela’s book, you will learn how!

Take project-based learning (PBL)—in which students develop educational skills like research, critical thinking, and teamwork—to the next level by enhancing it with personal competencies like self-management, social awareness, and responsible decision-making. Written by an expert in PBL, student well-being, and technology with different levels of educator PBL experience in mind, this guide to harnessing the power of these approaches provides:

  • The five elements of the PBL+ Framework
  • Tools and rubrics that help you engage all students and assess their projects
  • Ways to align PBL with five critical emotional intelligence and career readiness competencies
  • Tips for putting PBL+ into practice to facilitate your own teaching plans

The framework described in this book, grounded by research and supported by practical steps, is replicable in every classroom and provides educators guidance for strengthening their instructional practice to create an empowering student experience.

 
Part 1: The PBL+ Framework
 
1.Element 1: Understand the Components of Research-Informed Project-Based Learning
Using Evidence to Improve PBL Practice

 
Common Hurdles to Implementing PBL

 
Pacing and Teaching Structure in PBL

 
A Simple, Effective Framework for PBL

 
Using the High-Quality PBL Framework

 
 
2.Element 2: Introduce Essential Life Skills and Understand the Basics of Emotional Intelligence
Students Need Emotional Support More Than Ever

 
The CASEL 5

 
Research That Informed the CASEL Framework

 
Demystify Emotions for Students

 
Use an Emotional Intelligence Planner

 
Tips for Using the Emotional Intelligence Planner

 
 
3.Element 3: Use Knowledge of Students to Inform Teaching
Why Teachers Need to Know Students’ Interests, Skills, and Learning Needs

 
Empathy Mapping for Getting to Know Students

 
The Benefits of Empathy Maps

 
Gather Data for Your Empathy Map

 
Constructing an Empathy Map

 
 
4.Element 4: Design Projects Relevant to the Students You Serve
Become a Confident PBL Teacher by Focusing on Core Instruction

 
5 Key Building Blocks of Effective Core Instruction

 
The Project and Performance Task Planner

 
Key Features of the Planner

 
 
5.Element 5: Use Frequent Feedback Cycles to Guide Student Work
Feedback Can Boost Confidence for Both Teachers and Students

 
Feedback in PBL

 
Single-Point Rubrics

 
Structured-Feedback Protocol Steps and Tool

 
Assessment in PBL

 
Good Assessment Practices in PBL

 
 
Part 2: Essential Like Skills-Infused Projects
 
6.Understanding Self-Awareness for Connecting Passion and Purpose
Why Students Need to Improve Self-Awareness

 
 
7.Understanding Social Awareness for Having Successful Relationships
Students Can Improve Social-Awareness Skills in Tandem With Academic Content

 
 
8.Responsible Decision Making: From Awareness to Action
The Role of the Brain in Decision Making

 
 
Part 3: A Roadmap to Student Engagement and Rigorous PBL
 
9.Using a 5-Step Roadmap to Activate Student Engagement and Rigorous PBL
Student Engagement Is the First Step to Rigorous PBL

 
Three Simple Engagement Strategies

 
 
10.Fostering Collaboration and Teamwork
The Ideal Teammate Activity

 
Set Roles for Each Team Member

 
First Team Meeting: Create Shared Agreements

 
Setting Guidelines for Students Working Together

 
5 Ways to Begin Creating Shared Agreements

 
Team-Building Activities and Collaboration Measures

 
 
11.Helping Students Prepare for the Public Product
Step 1: Use Protocols That Require Students to Explain

 
Step 2: Help Students Develop Presentation Scripts

 
Step 3: Take Pressure Off Students While Presenting

 
Step 4: Lead by Going First

 
 
12. Leveraging Artificial Intelligence Tools to Streamline Project Unit Planning and Boost Productivity for Teachers
Harnessing Generative AI for Project and Instructional Design

 
Use ChatGPT to Google

 
Using Microsoft Copilot to Streamline Lesson Design and Win Back Time

 
Creating PowerPoint Presentations With Microsoft Copilot

 
Creating Lessons in Word With Microsoft Copilot

 
Practice Mapping and Organizing Lessons With Microsoft Copilot

 

For instructors

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ISBN: 9781071871652
£26.99