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

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 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.

List of contents

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: SEL-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

About the author

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.

Product details

• Authors: Valenzuela Jorge
• Publisher: Sage Publications
• Languages: English
• Product format: Paperback / Softback
• Release: 29.07.2025
• EAN: 9781071871652
• ISBN: 978-1-0718-7165-2
• No. of pages: 224
• Subjects: Humanities, art, music > Education > School education, didactics, methodology; EDUCATION / General, Education, Teaching skills & techniques, North America (USA and Canada), Teachers’ classroom resources and material, Project-based learning, EDUCATION / Teaching / General, For vocational / professional education / training