Growth Mindset PBL: High-Quality Work for Adult Learners
Inquiry Framework
Question Framework
Driving Question
The overarching question that guides the entire project.How might we, as a school community, cultivate a sustainable culture of high-quality work and growth mindset through Project-Based Learning, measured by student growth and fostered by effective cross-curricular PBL units, scaffolds, engagement, and coaching?Essential Questions
Supporting questions that break down major concepts.- How can we create a culture of high-quality work through PBL?
- How can we measure student growth in a PBL environment?
- What are the key elements of effective PBL scaffolds and assessments?
- How can we, as educators, effectively engage and coach students in PBL?
- How can we integrate PBL units across different subjects to enhance learning?
Standards & Learning Goals
Learning Goals
By the end of this project, students will be able to:- Develop a shared understanding of high-quality student work and growth mindset.
- Implement effective PBL scaffolds and assessments.
- Engage and coach students effectively in PBL.
- Integrate PBL units across different subjects.
- Measure student growth in a PBL environment.
Entry Events
Events that will be used to introduce the project to studentsPBL SOS: Can We Fix This?
**'PBL Reality Show' Clip:** Show a short, humorous video clip of a fictional school struggling with PBL implementation, highlighting common pitfalls in scaffolding, assessment, and student engagement. Ask participants to identify the issues and propose solutions, framing the project as a rescue mission.Portfolio Activities
Portfolio Activities
These activities progressively build towards your learning goals, with each submission contributing to the student's final portfolio.Vision Quest: Defining High-Quality Work & Growth Mindset
Participants will explore various definitions of high-quality student work and the principles of a growth mindset, culminating in a collaboratively defined vision for their school.Steps
Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.Final Product
What students will submit as the final product of the activityA collaboratively created vision statement defining high-quality student work and growth mindset within the school context.Alignment
How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsAddresses the learning goal of developing a shared understanding of high-quality student work and growth mindset.Scaffold & Assess: PBL Unit Renovation
Participants will analyze existing PBL units, identify areas where scaffolding and assessment can be improved, and redesign those elements to better support student learning and measure growth.Steps
Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.Final Product
What students will submit as the final product of the activityRedesigned PBL unit plans with enhanced scaffolding strategies and assessment tools.Alignment
How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsAddresses the learning goal of implementing effective PBL scaffolds and assessments.Engage & Coach: Building Your PBL Toolkit
Participants will explore various engagement and coaching strategies relevant to PBL, practice applying these strategies in simulated scenarios, and develop a personal coaching toolkit.Steps
Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.Final Product
What students will submit as the final product of the activityA personal coaching toolkit containing a collection of engagement strategies, questioning techniques, and feedback methods tailored for PBL environments.Alignment
How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsAddresses the learning goal of engaging and coaching students effectively in PBL.Cross-Curricular Connections: Designing Integrated PBL Units
Participants will collaborate to design a cross-curricular PBL unit, focusing on how different subjects can contribute to a central driving question and how student growth can be measured holistically across disciplines.Steps
Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.Final Product
What students will submit as the final product of the activityA detailed cross-curricular PBL unit plan, including a shared driving question, subject-specific learning activities, and a comprehensive assessment plan that measures student growth across disciplines.Alignment
How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsAddresses the learning goal of integrating PBL units across different subjects and measuring student growth in a PBL environment.Rubric & Reflection
Portfolio Rubric
Grading criteria for assessing the overall project portfolioPBL Implementation Rubric
Vision Statement Clarity and Collaboration
This category assesses the clarity and depth of the vision statement in defining high-quality student work and growth mindset, as well as the degree of collaboration involved in its creation.Clarity of High-Quality Work Definition
The vision statement clearly articulates a shared understanding of high-quality student work, incorporating elements such as rigor, relevance, and craftsmanship.
Exemplary
4 PointsVision statement is exceptionally clear, comprehensive, and inspiring, demonstrating a deep understanding of high-quality work. It includes specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART) goals and is presented in a visually appealing and easily accessible format.
Proficient
3 PointsVision statement is clear, comprehensive, and reflects a solid understanding of high-quality work. It includes measurable goals and is presented in an accessible format.
Developing
2 PointsVision statement is somewhat clear and reflects a basic understanding of high-quality work but lacks specific details or measurable goals. The format may not be easily accessible.
Beginning
1 PointsVision statement is unclear, incomplete, and demonstrates a limited understanding of high-quality work. It lacks measurable goals and is poorly presented.
Clarity of Growth Mindset Definition
The vision statement clearly articulates a shared understanding of a growth mindset, emphasizing the importance of effort, learning from mistakes, and continuous improvement.
Exemplary
4 PointsVision statement is exceptionally clear, comprehensive, and inspiring, demonstrating a deep understanding of growth mindset principles. It provides concrete examples of how growth mindset will be fostered within the school culture.
Proficient
3 PointsVision statement is clear, comprehensive, and reflects a solid understanding of growth mindset principles. It provides examples of how growth mindset will be fostered within the school culture.
Developing
2 PointsVision statement is somewhat clear and reflects a basic understanding of growth mindset but lacks specific examples of how it will be fostered.
Beginning
1 PointsVision statement is unclear, incomplete, and demonstrates a limited understanding of growth mindset. It lacks examples and application within the school context.
Collaboration and Shared Ownership
The vision statement reflects the collective input and perspectives of the faculty, demonstrating a collaborative process.
Exemplary
4 PointsThe vision statement is a powerful testament to collaborative effort, seamlessly integrating diverse perspectives and demonstrating a profound sense of shared ownership and commitment among the faculty.
Proficient
3 PointsThe vision statement reflects the collective input of the faculty, demonstrating a collaborative process and a sense of shared ownership.
Developing
2 PointsThe vision statement shows some evidence of collaboration, but the integration of different perspectives could be more thorough.
Beginning
1 PointsThe vision statement appears to be created with limited collaboration and does not adequately reflect the perspectives of the faculty.
PBL Unit Renovation
This category assesses the effectiveness of the redesigned PBL unit plan in terms of scaffolding and assessment strategies, as well as the incorporation of peer feedback.Effectiveness of Scaffolding Strategies
The redesigned unit plan demonstrates a clear understanding of effective scaffolding strategies, such as gradual release of responsibility, modeling, and think-alouds.
Exemplary
4 PointsThe unit plan demonstrates an exceptional understanding of scaffolding, with innovative and seamlessly integrated strategies that cater to diverse learner needs and promote deep understanding. The scaffolding is consistently applied and highly effective.
Proficient
3 PointsThe unit plan demonstrates a clear understanding of scaffolding, with well-integrated strategies that support student learning effectively. The scaffolding is consistently applied.
Developing
2 PointsThe unit plan shows some understanding of scaffolding, but the strategies are not always well-integrated or consistently applied.
Beginning
1 PointsThe unit plan demonstrates a limited understanding of scaffolding, with few or poorly integrated strategies. Scaffolding is inconsistently applied or missing.
Alignment and Variety of Assessment Methods
The redesigned unit plan includes a variety of assessment methods (formative and summative) that are aligned with the learning objectives and provide meaningful feedback to students.
Exemplary
4 PointsThe unit plan incorporates a diverse and innovative range of assessment methods that are perfectly aligned with learning objectives and provide insightful, personalized feedback to students, fostering continuous growth and self-reflection.
Proficient
3 PointsThe unit plan includes a variety of assessment methods that are well-aligned with the learning objectives and provide meaningful feedback to students.
Developing
2 PointsThe unit plan includes some assessment methods, but the alignment with learning objectives is not always clear, and the feedback provided may be limited.
Beginning
1 PointsThe unit plan includes few assessment methods, and the alignment with learning objectives is weak. Feedback is minimal or absent.
Incorporation of Peer Feedback
The redesigned unit plan incorporates feedback and suggestions from peers, demonstrating a willingness to learn and improve.
Exemplary
4 PointsThe redesigned unit plan showcases a masterful integration of peer feedback, resulting in significant improvements and demonstrating a proactive commitment to continuous learning and refinement. The revisions are thoughtful and impactful.
Proficient
3 PointsThe redesigned unit plan incorporates feedback and suggestions from peers, demonstrating a willingness to learn and improve the unit.
Developing
2 PointsThe redesigned unit plan shows some evidence of incorporating peer feedback, but the impact on the unit's design is limited.
Beginning
1 PointsThe redesigned unit plan shows little or no evidence of incorporating peer feedback.
PBL Coaching Toolkit
This category assesses the quality and variety of engagement strategies, questioning techniques, and feedback methods included in the personal coaching toolkit.Variety and Appropriateness of Engagement Strategies
The coaching toolkit includes a variety of engagement strategies that are appropriate for PBL and cater to diverse student needs.
Exemplary
4 PointsThe coaching toolkit contains an exceptional array of innovative and highly effective engagement strategies, meticulously tailored to diverse student needs and seamlessly integrated into the PBL context, fostering enthusiastic participation and a vibrant learning environment.
Proficient
3 PointsThe coaching toolkit includes a variety of engagement strategies that are appropriate for PBL and cater to diverse student needs.
Developing
2 PointsThe coaching toolkit includes some engagement strategies, but their appropriateness for PBL or catering to diverse needs is not always clear.
Beginning
1 PointsThe coaching toolkit includes few engagement strategies, and they are not well-suited for PBL or diverse student needs.
Quality of Questioning Techniques
The coaching toolkit includes a range of questioning techniques that promote critical thinking and deeper understanding.
Exemplary
4 PointsThe coaching toolkit boasts a sophisticated and comprehensive repertoire of questioning techniques, expertly designed to stimulate profound critical thinking, facilitate deep understanding, and encourage students to articulate their insights with clarity and precision.
Proficient
3 PointsThe coaching toolkit includes a range of questioning techniques that promote critical thinking and deeper understanding.
Developing
2 PointsThe coaching toolkit includes some questioning techniques, but their effectiveness in promoting critical thinking or deeper understanding is limited.
Beginning
1 PointsThe coaching toolkit includes few questioning techniques, and they do not effectively promote critical thinking or deeper understanding.
Effectiveness of Feedback Methods
The coaching toolkit includes methods for providing effective feedback that is specific, timely, and actionable.
Exemplary
4 PointsThe coaching toolkit presents an exceptional model for delivering feedback, characterized by its precision, timeliness, and actionable insights, empowering students to confidently implement improvements and fostering a culture of continuous growth and self-reflection.
Proficient
3 PointsThe coaching toolkit includes methods for providing effective feedback that is specific, timely, and actionable.
Developing
2 PointsThe coaching toolkit includes some methods for providing feedback, but they may not always be specific, timely, or actionable.
Beginning
1 PointsThe coaching toolkit includes few methods for providing feedback, and they are not specific, timely, or actionable.
Cross-Curricular PBL Unit Design
This category assesses the degree to which the cross-curricular unit plan effectively integrates different subjects, aligns learning activities with standards, and measures student growth across disciplines.Interdisciplinary Connections
The cross-curricular unit plan demonstrates clear connections between different subjects and a shared driving question.
Exemplary
4 PointsThe cross-curricular unit plan showcases seamless and synergistic connections between diverse subjects, revolving around a captivating driving question that ignites student curiosity and fosters a profound understanding of interdisciplinary relationships. The connections are organic and enhance the learning experience.
Proficient
3 PointsThe cross-curricular unit plan demonstrates clear connections between different subjects and a shared driving question.
Developing
2 PointsThe cross-curricular unit plan shows some connections between subjects, but the driving question may not be effectively integrated.
Beginning
1 PointsThe cross-curricular unit plan shows few connections between subjects, and the driving question is not clearly defined or integrated.
Alignment of Learning Activities
The cross-curricular unit plan includes subject-specific learning activities that are aligned with standards and contribute to answering the driving question.
Exemplary
4 PointsThe cross-curricular unit plan features meticulously crafted subject-specific learning activities that not only align seamlessly with relevant standards but also synergistically converge to provide a comprehensive and compelling answer to the driving question, fostering a holistic understanding of the subject matter.
Proficient
3 PointsThe cross-curricular unit plan includes subject-specific learning activities that are aligned with standards and contribute to answering the driving question.
Developing
2 PointsThe cross-curricular unit plan includes some subject-specific learning activities, but the alignment with standards or contribution to the driving question may be unclear.
Beginning
1 PointsThe cross-curricular unit plan includes few subject-specific learning activities, and they are not well-aligned with standards or the driving question.
Comprehensiveness of Assessment Plan
The cross-curricular unit plan includes a comprehensive assessment plan that measures student growth across disciplines, using both subject-specific and interdisciplinary assessments.
Exemplary
4 PointsThe cross-curricular unit plan incorporates a groundbreaking assessment plan that not only meticulously measures student growth across disciplines but also seamlessly integrates subject-specific and interdisciplinary assessments, providing a holistic and nuanced understanding of student progress and achievement.
Proficient
3 PointsThe cross-curricular unit plan includes a comprehensive assessment plan that measures student growth across disciplines, using both subject-specific and interdisciplinary assessments.
Developing
2 PointsThe cross-curricular unit plan includes some assessment methods, but the measurement of student growth across disciplines may be limited.
Beginning
1 PointsThe cross-curricular unit plan includes few assessment methods, and they do not effectively measure student growth across disciplines.