Using Project-Based Learning to Teach 21st-Century Skills: Findings From a Statewide Initiative

• In Event: Poster Session 15
  In Poster Session: Division H Section 1 Poster

Abstract

This study seeks to determine the effect of project based learning (PBL) professional development and implementation on teachers’ perceived ability to teach and assess 21st century skills. At the end of the 2010-2011 school year, data on teaching practices and perceptions were systematically gathered and compared from two groups of teachers matched by demographics, grade and subject: teachers expected to have utilized PBL after extensive professional development (44) and teachers who had not received the professional development or not expected to have used PBL (42). Teachers who used PBL and received extensive professional development reported more teaching and assessment of 21st century skills overall, with similar patterns seen within subjects and for nearly all of the measured skills.

Authors

• Jason Ravitz, Buck Institute for Education

• Nathaniel Hixson, West Virginia Department of Education

• Mary English, George Mason University

• John R. Mergendoller, Buck Institute for Education