A Visual, Step-by-Step Guide to Re-Envisioning Rigor: Powerful Routines for Promoting Rigorous Problem and Project Based Learning offers a practical roadmap for teachers who want to make every day of learning count—no matter if they’re leading full-scale projects or embedding high-level thinking into daily lessons. Designed to support meaningful learning from launch to final reflection, this book provides clear, actionable routines that elevate instruction and empower students. The routines are flexible enough to live inside any unit, subject, or structure—problem- or project-based or not—helping students think, reason, and problem-solve at high levels every day. No matter if you're tackling real-world challenges, unpacking complex ideas, or simply striving for deeper engagement, this guide gives you the tools to make problem-solving a habit of mind, not a moment in time.
- Strengthens learning at all levels: surface, deep, and transfer—within real-world contexts
- Built around routines that work: teacher-tested and project-proven in diverse classrooms
- Visual tools and step-by-step guidance bring each strategy to life
- Practical examples ready for immediate use
- Flexible for all teachers whether leading full-scale projects or embedding rigorous problem-solving in daily lessons
- Helps build the daily habits that make rigorous, student-centered learning sustainable for all educators
Whether you're launching your first project or refining your practice, this guide equips you with the daily moves that turn projects into transformative learning experiences.
Michael McDowell, Ed. D. 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.
Aaron Eisberg began his career designing and implementing project-based learning in K-5 science classrooms. After teaching in the classroom, Mr. Eisberg spent a significant portion of his career advising teachers, schools, and school systems in the development and deployment of rigorous instructional design, effective assessment, and ensuring high levels of student voice and achievement in K-12 systems. Mr. Eisberg currently works as the Director for the Center for Excellence at New Technology High School, the flagship school of the New Tech Network. As the Director he leads the work of designing new content for faculty, cultivating and curating professional learning for educators around the world, and supporting Napa New Tech High School in strengthening their student-led culture and meeting core academic and 21st Century outcomes. Mr. Eisberg is well regarded in his ability to lead adult professional learning in the utilization of innovative methodologies in today's classrooms.Concurrently, Mr. Eisberg works closely with Hinge Education to bring forward Rigorous Problem and Project Based Learning and Leadership to school systems around the world. He has worked closely with Dr. McDowell to create and implement the best possible professional learning service to faculty and administration. His focus has always been and continues to be on ensuring students substantially improve in their core academic learning and in developing their efficacy to take ownership over their own learning. Aaron brings an experience and knowledge base in authentic project-based learning juxtaposed with sound research based practices that move students' academic achievement forward. Additionally, Mr. Eisberg is one of the longest standing Buck Institute of Education National Faculty members.Aaron received a B.S. degree in Natural Science from Loyola Marymount University and a Masters Degree in Elementary Education from Indiana University Bloomington. He holds a Multiple Subject Credential and single subject credentials in Biological Sciences, Introductory Science and Technology.
