Project-Based Learning+

Jorge Valenzuela, PhD, is a highly sought-after and well-regarded performance and education coach, author, and speaker at Lifelong Learning Defined. Dr. Valenzuela got his start in education and has helped countless educators improve their instructional leadership and teaching skills. He specializes in emphasizing instructional innovation through action research and is a trusted deliverer of reputable professional training in collaborative team building, core instruction, project-based learning (PBL), STEM pathways, entrepreneurship, and life skills integration across the curriculum. Jorge partners with Corwin to provide professional development and ongoing support to schools and teaching teams in instructional innovation methodologies and innovative teaching approaches, such as PBL. He has authored several books and is the Lifelong Learning Defined podcast host.

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