RIGOROUS PBL
BY DESIGN®
FOUNDATIONS and
DEEP DIVE WORKBOOKS
Three shifts for developing confident and competent learners.
FOUNDATIONS WORKBOOK
Rigorous PBL by Design
Author: Michael McDowell, Ed.D.
The Rigorous PBL by Design Foundations workbook is about designing and implementing rigorous problem- and project-based learning using the three C’s: Clarity, Challenge, and Culture. Activities and resources are grounded in the results of countless numbers of research studies and teacher practices that have resulted in a substantial impact on student learning around the world.
This organizational guide can be used on its own, or as part of professional learning through The Core Collaborative. > Find out more
DEEP DIVE WORKBOOK
Rigorous PBL by Design
Author: Michael McDowell, Ed.D.
The Rigorous PBL by Design Deep Dive workbook continues readers’ development in designing and implementing rigorous problem- and project-based learning. Having designed a series of project ideas that incorporated the three C’s, the Deep Dive workbook focuses on implementing the three C’s with students throughout the course of a project.
This organizational guide can be used on its own, or as part of professional learning through The Core Collaborative. > Find out more
Bring Rigorous PBL by Design®
to your School or System
Innovative and Impactful Instructional Practice
Educators often feel they are faced with the choice between using innovative instructional methods—such as problem and project-based learning—or reverting to traditional direct instruction methods. We desire more authentic and engaging methods to nurture children’s creativity and engagement, and yet worry whether students are gaining the content knowledge they need to think critically.
This dichotomy is unnecessary. When PBL is designed and delivered effectively, it has the potential to provide the deepest and most lasting impact on learning, scaffolding for deep content knowledge, and critical thinking.
Author
Michael McDowell, Ed.D.
Michael McDowell, EdD was a public school educator for eighteen years serving in the roles of classroom teacher, academic and athletic coach, school principal, assistant superintendent of personnel and instruction, and superintendent. During his tenure as a superintendent, his school district received state and national accolades including the National Blue Ribbon Award which recognized their work for student performance and mental health and well-being in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic by the U.S. Department of Education.
Dr. McDowell serves on numerous boards, served as a college professor, and worked for non-profit organizations to enhance student learning around the world. Over the course of his career, Dr. McDowell has authored bestselling books, created professional learning programs and workbooks, provided keynotes and workshops, and provided practical tools and resources for thousands of teachers and leaders on almost every continent around the world. A prolific author and consultant, Dr. McDowell is recognized as one of the leading authorities on integrating innovative and impactful practices into schools. Offering keynotes and executive coaching to heads of school around the world, he partners with educational leaders to implement high leverage strategies that will enhance teaching and learning in classrooms, schools, and systems.