Over the years, I have found that there is no type of learning experience that my students enjoy more than project-based learning. There are so many project-based learning benefits. If PBL activities are not a regular part of your learning with your upper elementary students, you may find it to be the perfect approach that will make learning more engaging and meaningful for every learner. PBL truly allows students to explore real-world problems and challenges, developing critical thinking, collaboration, and creativity skills along the way. Because I know your students will love this method of learning as much as mine do, I wanted to share with you some of the benefits that I have found in using PBL activities as well as some of my top tips and tricks to get you started!

Benefits of Project-Based Learning

1. Enhanced Engagement

One of the most significant benefits of PBL is that it boosts student engagement. When my students work on projects that interest them and connect their learning to the real world, they are almost always more motivated and invested in their learning. PBL transforms passive learning into active exploration, making education an exciting adventure. We can hardly finish a PBL project before my kiddos are begging for another! When is comes to total engagement, I have found PBL to be a game changer.

2. Development of Critical Thinking Skills

I love how PBL encourages my students to think critically and to solve problems. It forces them to analyze information, make decisions, and evaluate outcomes throughout the project. As they do, it helps them develop higher-order thinking skills that are we all know are so important for success in school and beyond.

3. Collaboration and Communication

Collaboration is a cornerstone of PBL. My students almost always work in groups to complete a PBL experience. This helps them learn to communicate effectively, share ideas, and negotiate roles. It is so much fun watching the kids learn to work together and to develop collaboration and communication skills that are so very important.

4. Real-World Connections

PBL projects are grounded in real-world problems and questions. This relevance has helped my students see the value of what they’re learning and how it applies outside the classroom. The projects I have designed for my kids bridge the gap between school and the real world. This sees to always make learning more meaningful and applicable.

5. Student Autonomy and Choice

In PBL, I give my students a say in their projects, from choosing topics to deciding how to present their learning. This autonomy helps the kids take ownership and responsibility for their learning. It increases their motivation and commitment to the project.

Best Practices for Implementing PBL

So, what do you think? Are you ready to give project-based learning a try with your kids? Before you get started, here are a few of the best practices I have learned over the years for implementing PBL activities with upper elementary students.

1. Start with a Driving Question or Real World Situation

A good PBL project begins with a compelling driving question or real world situation that captures students’ interest and guides their learning. This question or situation should encourage exploration and deeper understanding. For example, How can we create a community garden to support local wildlife? Or, What would it take to survive in the rainforest for 5 days? Questions or situations like these raise students’ excitement and curiosity and provide a structure or framework for their learning.

2. Plan and Scaffold

Effective PBL requires careful planning and scaffolding. For the best experience, you can’t expect your students to eat the whole elephant in one day. Break the project into manageable steps and provide students with the resources and support they need at each stage. In my classroom this includes research materials, planning templates, and regular check-ins to ensure they stay on track.

3. Foster a Collaborative Environment

Create a classroom culture that values collaboration and teamwork. Ask kids to work together and encourage them to share ideas, and provide constructive feedback to their peers. This is also a great opportunity to help your students wrok on conflict resolution skills and how to divide tasks effectively within their groups.

4. Integrate Technology

Technology can enhance PBL activities by providing tools for research, collaboration, and presentation. With different projects I have utilized a variety of online resources, digital tools, and multimedia to support students and to help them showcase their projects and learning. Apps like Google Workspace, Padlet, and Canva can be incredibly useful.

5. Connect with Experts and the Community

Involve experts and community members in your PBL projects. This can provide students with authentic insights and feedback, making their learning experience even richer. Invite guest speakers, arrange field trips, or connect with local organizations related to the project. For example. My students completed a PBL activity that had them plan and run a Christmas tree farm. This is a perfect opportunity to invite the owner of a local Christmas tree farm to come to the classroom for the students to learn from. You could also visit a Christmas tree farm on a class field trip.

6. Assess Throughout the Process

Assessment in PBL should be ongoing and multifaceted. Use a combination of formative and summative assessments to gauge student progress and understanding. This can include journals, checklists, peer evaluations, and final presentations. Make sure to provide timely and constructive feedback.

7. Celebrate and Reflect

At the end of the project, it’s important to celebrate your students’ hard work and achievements. I love to organize a presentation day where students can share their projects with classmates, parents, and community members. Encourage them to reflect on their learning journey, what they’ve accomplished, and how they’ve grown.

If you have not completed a project based learning activity with your upper elementary kids, you’ve got to give it a try! I am confident your students will thank you! By incorporating PBL into your classroom, you can create a dynamic and engaging learning environment that prepares students for the complexities of the real world and you will love how easy it is to teach concepts across the content areas! I hope these tips and ideas inspire you to try PBL with your students. Happy teaching!

I have created a collection of PBL activities that have been smash hits with my students. If you’d like to get started with PBL in your classroom and want to some engaging projects where all the hard work has been done for you, feel free to grab them below!

Save These PBL Ideas and Best Practices for Later

Make sure to save these project-based learning benefits to one of your favorite Pinterest boards so that you can easily come back to them when you are ready to give PBL a try. I know you won’t regret it!