Project-Based Learning+

Jorge Valenzuela, PhD, is a respected performance and education coach, author, and speaker at Lifelong Learning Defined. His mission is to empower educators to lead confidently and teach effectively. Dr. Valenzuela specializes in instructional innovation and action research and provides expert training in team building, core instruction, project-based learning (PBL), STEM pathways, entrepreneurship, life skills integration, and the purposeful integration of AI tools in teaching and learning. Partnering with Corwin, he helps schools systematically enhance instructional practices and adopt innovative teaching strategies, including PBL and AI-enhanced instruction. He is a published researcher and author who also hosts the Lifelong Learning Defined podcast, sharing insights and strategies to inspire and support educators.What does project-based learning look like in action? Students from Bunche Middle School in Compton, California, describe their projects after their teachers attended workshops led by Jorge Valenzuela.

• Part 1: The PBL+ Framework1.Element 1: Understand the Components of Research-Informed Project-Based LearningUsing Evidence to Improve PBL PracticeCommon Hurdles to Implementing PBLPacing and Teaching Structure in PBLA Simple, Effective Framework for PBLUsing the High-Quality PBL Framework2.Element 2: Introduce Essential Life Skills and Understand the Basics of Emotional IntelligenceStudents Need Emotional Support More Than EverThe CASEL 5Research That Informed the CASEL FrameworkDemystify Emotions for StudentsUse an Emotional Intelligence PlannerTips for Using the Emotional Intelligence Planner3.Element 3: Use Knowledge of Students to Inform TeachingWhy Teachers Need to Know Students’ Interests, Skills, and Learning NeedsEmpathy Mapping for Getting to Know StudentsThe Benefits of Empathy MapsGather Data for Your Empathy MapConstructing an Empathy Map4.Element 4: Design Projects Relevant to the Students You ServeBecome a Confident PBL Teacher by Focusing on Core Instruction5 Key Building Blocks of Effective Core InstructionThe Project and Performance Task PlannerKey Features of the Planner5.Element 5: Use Frequent Feedback Cycles to Guide Student WorkFeedback Can Boost Confidence for Both Teachers and StudentsFeedback in PBLSingle-Point RubricsStructured-Feedback Protocol Steps and ToolAssessment in PBLGood Assessment Practices in PBLPart 2: Essential Like Skills-Infused Projects6.Understanding Self-Awareness for Connecting Passion and PurposeWhy Students Need to Improve Self-Awareness7.Understanding Social Awareness for Having Successful RelationshipsStudents Can Improve Social-Awareness Skills in Tandem With Academic Content8.Responsible Decision Making: From Awareness to ActionThe Role of the Brain in Decision MakingPart 3: A Roadmap to Student Engagement and Rigorous PBL9.Using a 5-Step Roadmap to Activate Student Engagement and Rigorous PBLStudent Engagement Is the First Step to Rigorous PBLThree Simple Engagement Strategies10.Fostering Collaboration and TeamworkThe Ideal Teammate ActivitySet Roles for Each Team MemberFirst Team Meeting: Create Shared AgreementsSetting Guidelines for Students Working Together5 Ways to Begin Creating Shared AgreementsTeam-Building Activities and Collaboration Measures11.Helping Students Prepare for the Public ProductStep 1: Use Protocols That Require Students to ExplainStep 2: Help Students Develop Presentation ScriptsStep 3: Take Pressure Off Students While PresentingStep 4: Lead by Going First12. Leveraging Artificial Intelligence Tools to Streamline Project Unit Planning and Boost Productivity for TeachersHarnessing Generative AI for Project and Instructional DesignUse ChatGPT to GoogleUsing Microsoft Copilot to Streamline Lesson Design and Win Back TimeCreating PowerPoint Presentations With Microsoft CopilotCreating Lessons in Word With Microsoft CopilotPractice Mapping and Organizing Lessons With Microsoft Copilot