Project Based Learning in
the Special Education
Classroom
Becky Quackenbush, Ed.S.
Amanda Patton, M.S.CCC-SLP
PBL Overview
Integrating project-based learning in the special education classroom can
transform learning into a more active, student-driven experience, using
technology tools for inquiry, collaboration, and connection to the world
beyond the classroom.
Teachers start with the end goal in mind and avoid canned projects to ensure
relevance to their students.
This session will begin with an overview of PBL. More importantly, we will
discuss and provide examples of PBL in the special education classroom and
how to integrate the general education curriculum projects into the special
education classroom to support student outcomes and goals.
What is PBL?
Project Based Learning is a teaching method in which students gain skills and knowledge by working for a period of time to
investigate and respond to an authentic, engaging and complex question, problem, or challenge. (BIE.org) In Gold Standard PBL,
Essential Project Design Elements include:
Key Knowledge, Understanding, and Success Skills - The project is focused on student learning goals, including standards-based
content and skills such as critical thinking/problem solving, collaboration, and self-management.
Challenging Problem or Question - The project is framed by a meaningful problem to solve or a question to answer,at differentiated
levels.
Sustained Inquiry - Students ask questions, find resources, and apply information.
Authenticity - The project features real-world context, tasks and tools, quality standards, or impact – or speaks to students’ personal
concerns, interests, and issues in their lives.
Student Voice & Choice - Students make some decisions about the project, including how they work and what they create.
Reflection - Students and teachers reflect on learning, the effectiveness of their inquiry and project activities, the quality of student
work, obstacles and how to overcome them.
Project
Patience
Based
Brainstorming
Learning
Learning
outcome
Start at bottom & work up
Project Based Learning
Why PBL?
Project Based Learning’s time has come. The experience of thousands of teachers across all grade levels and
subject areas, backed by research, confirms that PBL is an effective and enjoyable way to learn - and develop deeper
learning competencies required for success in college, career, and life. Educators across the United States and
around the world interested in this teaching method for a combination of timeless reasons and recent developments.
PBL…
makes school more engaging for students.
improves learning.
engaging and memorable
builds success skills for college, career, and life.
helps address standards.
provides opportunities for students to use technology.
Integration
What does PBL look like to you?
In this Edutopia video, we get a good overview of how PBL is different from the kind of instruction most of us are
used to.
Project Based Learning - Edutopia
Projects vs Project Based Learning
We want our students to participate in PBL but how are we meeting student’s
goals on their IEP?
Academic Goals
Reading
Writing
Mathematics
Language & Speech Goals
Appropriate use of pragmatic skills are essential elements when implementing PBL.
When developing annual goals, project-based learning activities easily align.
Language/Speech Goals (intelligibility/conversational exchanges)
Following multi-step directions
Asking & Answering questions
Collaboration/Cooperation
Providing feedback
Presentation
PBL in the inclusive classroom
We know that the presence of differentiated instruction, interdisciplinary content, technology,
collaboration, supports, and authentic assessment are key markers of successful inclusion in school
communities. We see these elements in the foundations of Project Based Learning, and thus in PBL
classrooms and schools.
Project Based Learning as a pedagogy is a great vehicle for meaningful inclusion because each of its
project design elements and teaching practices are geared toward creating the kind of engaging and
dynamic learning environment that are also known to best serve students with a wide range of
disabilities.
Project Based Learning also helps provide and build peer relationships and real-life skills.
Integrating and Breaking Down the NGSS for PBL
Taking time to break down the steps in teaching each standard helps determine how to differentiate
instruction and the life skill to target . We get in the habit of jumping right into the subject matter but
what are the underlying or basic skills we need to learn before that?
NGSS: K-ESS2-1. Earth’s System
Use and share observations of local weather conditions to describe patterns over time
1. What is an observation? How can we be specific?
2. What tools do we need for an observation?
3. What is a pattern?
4. What is a pattern over time?
3 Tips to getting started
Collaborate!
Set students up for success by planning with colleagues. Special education teachers bring
expertise on their student’s specific needs including IEP goals and instructional strategies to
help them learn and grow along with their peers.
General education teachers are the content experts, and are invaluable in prioritizing which
aspects of the standards are most important to make accessible. Collaborating and planning
together makes it fairly easy to anticipate needs and embed considerations for the diverse
range of students at the beginning stages of project design and throughout the project.
Universal Design for Learning is one of the best ways to create a successful inclusive classroom.
Better yet, doing this helps students without disabilities as well!
3 Tips to getting started, cont.
Differentiate Instruction!
There are a number of ways to differentiate in PBL,
Offer voice and choice in student products to increase engagement and build on students’ strengths,
orthe various ways you can manage project implementation.
Scaffolding projects effectively still leaves plenty of room for conventional differentiation strategies like
frontloading vocabulary, providing visual supports, or offering texts with varied reading levels.
PBL is naturally differentiated!
By allowing students to take different paths and explore different interest in a project, this means that at
any given time, students in the same class may be working on very different things.
3 Tips to getting started, cont.
Embed IEP Goals into Projects!
There are obvious opportunities to embed students’ specific academic IEP goals throughout their
differentiated project pathway that allow you to address those skills with consistency, in
addition to providing students with a sense of their genuine purpose.
In a PBL classroom, the emphasis on key success skills provides daily opportunities to work on IEP
goals such as augmentative communication, self-management, or social skills in an authentic
and natural context!
For example, when students work in teams, they constantly have to practice communication, social
skills, organization, self-management, self-determination, and self-advocacy. It's a special
educator’s delight!
Project Design: Overview from BIE
Project Design: Overview and Student Learning Guide
http://www.bie.org/object/document/project_design_overview_and_student_le
arning_guide
Sample of completed form:
http://www.bie.org/object/document/sample_project_design_overview_and_st
udent_learning_guide
Gold Standard Checklist:
http://www.bie.org/object/document/pbl_essential_elements_checklist
Why Project Based Learning (PBL)? (n.d.). Retrieved August 15, 2016, from http://www.bie.org/
Tech Tools
Speech Notes: A great dictation app that allows students to correct
punctuation and capitalization
Speak It-Google Extension: reads any material to you: can change the rate of
speech and voice sample
Instagrok-web based interactive interface research, critical thinking and
writing skills (helps with organization)
Project Based Learning Opportunities
Exploravision: www.exploravision.org
Med School
Car Design
Greenhouse
Biomes
Farmer’s Market/Greenhouse
Responsibilities
planning/design
research different types of Missouri plants
product design
planting and maintenance
advertisement
scheduling
money management
Makers Space
Car Design
PBL Resources
Google Drive
Communication with teachers, students, and teams
The Creative Classroom
http://www.thecreativeeducator.com/project-based-learning
Exploravision
http://www.exploravision.org/
Buck Institute (PBL Overview and Resources)
http://www.bie.org/
References
Five Keys to Rigorous Project Based Learning (n.d.). Retrieved August 15, 2015,
from http://www.edutopia.org/project-based-learning
What is PBL? (n.d.). Retrieved July 1, 2016, from
http://www.bie.org/about/what_pbl
Why Project Based Learning (PBL)? (n.d.). Retrieved August 15, 2016, from
http://www.bie.org/