Project-Based Learning+: Enhancing Academic Learning and Essential Life Skills - Softcover

Valenzuela, Jorge

Softcover

ISBN 10: 107187165X ISBN 13: 9781071871652

Publisher: Corwin, 2025

Synopsis

Project-based learning PLUS essential life skills equals student and educator success

Imagine not only helping kids reach their potential academically, but as citizens in society as well. In this updated edition of Jorge Valenzuela’s book, you will learn how!

Take project-based learning (PBL)―in which students develop educational skills like research, critical thinking, and teamwork―to the next level by enhancing it with personal competencies like self-management, social awareness, and responsible decision-making. Written by an expert in PBL, student well-being, and technology with different levels of educator PBL experience in mind, this guide to harnessing the power of these approaches provides:

• The five elements of the PBL+ Framework
• Tools and rubrics that help you engage all students and assess their projects
• Ways to align PBL with five critical emotional intelligence and career readiness competencies
• Tips for putting PBL+ into practice to facilitate your own teaching plans

The framework described in this book, grounded by research and supported by practical steps, is replicable in every classroom and provides educators guidance for strengthening their instructional practice to create an empowering student experience.

About this title

About the Author

Jorge Valenzuela, PhD, is a respected performance and education coach, author, and speaker at Lifelong Learning Defined. His mission is to empower educators to lead confidently and teach effectively. Dr. Valenzuela specializes in instructional innovation and action research and provides expert training in team building, core instruction, project-based learning (PBL), STEM pathways, entrepreneurship, life skills integration, and the purposeful integration of AI tools in teaching and learning. Partnering with Corwin, he helps schools systematically enhance instructional practices and adopt innovative teaching strategies, including PBL and AI-enhanced instruction. He is a published researcher and author who also hosts the Lifelong Learning Defined podcast, sharing insights and strategies to inspire and support educators.

What does project-based learning look like in action? Students from Bunche Middle School in Compton, California, describe their projects after their teachers attended workshops led by Jorge Valenzuela.

Edition details

• Publisher: Corwin
• Publication date: 2025
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 107187165X
• ISBN 13: 9781071871652
• Binding: Paperback
• Edition number: 2
• Number of pages: 224