Thinking Through Project-Based Learning

Jane Krauss is a teacher, author and consultant who does curriculum and program development designed to increase participation of girls and other underrepresented groups in computer science. She will gladly tell you why computational thinking is the fundamental literacy of our technical age! Jane also writes and offers professional development internationally around the topic of project-based learning with technology. With Suzie Boss, she is coauthor of Reinventing Project-Based Learning: Your Field Guide to Real World Projects in the Digital Age (2nd ed., 2014, ISTE) and Thinking Through Project-Based Learning: Guiding Deeper Inquiry (2013, Corwin). In her free time, Jane enjoys dabbling in glasswork and mosaics, and keeps fit running and hiking on woodland trails just outside her door in Eugene, Oregon. Suzie Boss is a writer and educational consultant who focuses on the power of teaching and learning to improve lives and transform communities. She is the author of 10 popular books for educators, most recently Project Based Teaching: How to Create Rigorous and Engaging Learning Experiences and Reinventing Project-Based Learning: Your Field Guide to Real-World Projects in the Digital Age, 3rd Ed. She collaborated with award-winning teacher Stephen Ritz to tell his inspiring story about classroom innovation in The Power of a Plant. A regular contributor to Edutopia, PBLWorks National Faculty emeritus, and frequent conference presenter, she consults with schools and nonprofit organizations around the world interested in shifting to a more student-centered, innovative approach to teaching and learning. Active on social media (@suzieboss), she maintains a website at suzieboss.com.

Preface Acknowledgments About the Authors Section One: Inquiry, the Engine of Deep Learning 1. The Whys and Hows of PBL 2. The Inquiring Human Animal 3. Making the World Safe for Thinking 4. The Thinking-Out-Loud-and-in-View Classroom 5. Designing Rich Learning Experiences Section Two: Taking a Page From the Experts 6. Thinking Across Disciplines 7. Language Arts 8. Social Studies 9. Science 10. Math 11. The Project Spiral Appendix A: Project Library Appendix B: Discussion Guide Appendix C: Professional Development Guide Appendix D: Project-Based Learning Resources References Index

"The book is filled with examples of how to teach and create critical thinking experiences in project-based learning. It fulfills it purpose of helping teachers have better projects that incorporate a high level of critical thinking and authentic learning. The project-based learning spiral provides teachers with the practical guidance they need in creating critical thinking and authentic learning experiences in project-based learning." -- Telannia Norfar, National Faculty Member "This book pulls together related research and current theories of PBL, brain based learning, and inquiry. Any teacher or administrator interested in or doing Project Based Learning will find this book very useful." -- Jeanne R. Gren, Principal "The book has several purposes (doing PBL rather than just preparing, supporting educators, presenting ways to develop 21st Century skills, and developing inquiry skills) which are clearly defined in the beginning and flows into each chapter. I believe the book makes a distinct contribution because it provides for practical applications in the classroom and for lively discussion in Professional Learning communities." -- Patricia Allanson, Math Teacher/Department Chair "Ensuring that students take the lead is critical thinking and problem solving is the key to success. This book will provide educators with the tools to get students ready for real world learning and collaboration." -- Tania E. Dymkowski, Instructional Support K-8 "The Ultimate Guide to PBL. A well-written, engaging book that makes even a master PBL teacher rethink her ideas. A must for all!" -- Lisa Parisi, Teacher "I was inspired by the projects and the positive reinforcement the students received." -- Susan Harmon, Middle School Teacher