Implementing Project-Based Learning in a Public School Setting

Overview

• Explore eight essential elements of project based learning.
• Outline methods for developing a short action plan on how to approach your community or administration on the possibility of utilizing PBL.
• Identify possible solutions to common community-based questions on “Why should our district or school be exploring project-based learning?”

Presenters

Matt Weyers is teacher at Byron Public School on Minnesota where he teaches sixth grade. In addition, he is an adjunct professor at Winona State University’s Teacher Preparation Collaborative, holds a Bachelors Degree in Elementary/Middle Level Education from the University of Wisconsin – La Crosse, and a Masters Degree as a Reading Specialist from Cardinal Stritch University. As an educator he is passionate about helping teachers use the “8 Essentials” of Project-Based Learning to provide students authentic learning experiences.

Jennifer Dole is a teacher at Byron Public Schools in Minnesota where she teaches 7th grade. She holds a a Bachelors of Science and Masters Degree from Michigan State University where she focused on Science Education. Currently, she is working towards receiving her license to be a Community Education Director. Along with Matt Weyers, she has worked diligently to bring a PBL focus into the Byron Public School system, as she believes that all students deserve to enjoy learning, explore their interests, become good teammates, and better people.