What are the essential skills and competencies for PBL instructors and mentors?

Project-based learning (PBL) is a teaching approach that engages students in authentic, meaningful, and collaborative projects that address real-world problems or challenges. PBL instructors and mentors play a crucial role in facilitating, guiding, and supporting students throughout the project cycle, from planning to presentation. But what are the essential skills and competencies for PBL instructors and mentors? In this article, we will explore six key areas that can help you become a more effective PBL practitioner.

1 Design skills

PBL instructors and mentors need to design projects that are relevant, rigorous, and aligned with the learning goals and standards of the curriculum. They also need to consider the interests, needs, and abilities of their students, as well as the available resources, time, and space. Design skills include defining the project scope and question, creating a driving question, developing a project plan and timeline, identifying the expected outcomes and products, and designing the assessment criteria and rubrics.

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Jose Sergio Torres

Growth Partner | CCL Boost™ DASM® | Google Project Manager
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La capacidad de conceptualizar proyectos de Aprendizaje Basado en Proyectos (ABP), adaptarlos a diversos contextos y crear evaluaciones significativas es esencial. Mi experiencia destaca la necesidad de ser creativo y centrarse en resultados de aprendizaje concretos.

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2 Facilitation skills

PBL instructors and mentors need to facilitate the project process by providing scaffolding, feedback, and coaching to students. They also need to create a positive and productive learning environment that fosters collaboration, communication, and creativity. Facilitation skills include setting norms and expectations, managing group dynamics and conflicts, asking open-ended and probing questions, modeling and encouraging inquiry and reflection, and monitoring and documenting student progress and learning.

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Jose Sergio Torres

Growth Partner | CCL Boost™ DASM® | Google Project Manager
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La empatía y la escucha activa son cruciales al guiar procesos ABP. Facilitar la colaboración, gestionar dinámicas de grupo y adaptarse a las necesidades individuales mejoran la participación. Mi experiencia destaca la importancia de la flexibilidad y la capacidad para fomentar un ambiente de aprendizaje inclusivo.

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3 Content knowledge

PBL instructors and mentors need to have a solid grasp of the content knowledge and skills that are relevant to the project topic and discipline. They also need to be able to integrate and connect different disciplines and perspectives, as well as to identify and access reliable and diverse sources of information. Content knowledge includes understanding the key concepts, principles, and theories, applying the appropriate methods and tools, and evaluating the quality and validity of evidence and arguments.

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4 Pedagogical knowledge

PBL instructors and mentors need to have a sound understanding of the pedagogical principles and practices that underpin PBL. They also need to be able to adapt and differentiate their instruction and support according to the diverse needs and levels of their students. Pedagogical knowledge includes knowing the benefits and challenges of PBL, selecting and using appropriate strategies and techniques, and aligning the project with the curriculum and standards.

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5 Technology skills

PBL instructors and mentors need to be proficient in using technology to enhance the project design, implementation, and presentation. They also need to be able to guide and assist their students in using technology effectively and responsibly. Technology skills include selecting and using appropriate digital tools and platforms, integrating technology into the project workflow, and promoting digital citizenship and literacy.

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6 Reflection skills

PBL instructors and mentors need to be able to reflect on their own practice and learning, as well as to facilitate the reflection of their students. They also need to be able to use reflection as a tool for continuous improvement and growth. Reflection skills include setting and reviewing goals and objectives, collecting and analyzing data and evidence, identifying strengths and areas for improvement, and seeking and providing feedback.

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7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?

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What are the essential skills and competencies for PBL instructors and mentors?

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1 Design skills

2 Facilitation skills

3 Content knowledge

4 Pedagogical knowledge

5 Technology skills

6 Reflection skills

7 Here’s what else to consider

Project-based Learning

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