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Project-Based Learning+ - Book Cover

Project-Based Learning+

Enhancing Academic Learning and Essential Life Skills
Second Edition
By: Jorge Valenzuela

Foreword by Yaritza Villalba

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 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.

Full description


Project-Based Learning+ - Book Cover
Product Details
  • Grade Level: PreK-12
  • ISBN: 9781071871652
  • Published By: Corwin
  • Year: 2025
  • Page Count: 168
  • Publication date: July 15, 2025
Price: $32.95
Volume Discounts applied in Shopping Cart

Review Copies

Review copies may be requested by individuals planning to purchase 10 or more copies for a team or considering a book for adoption in a higher ed course. To request a review copy, contact sales@corwin.com.

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Description

Description

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.

Author(s)

Author(s)

Jorge Valenzuela photo

Jorge Valenzuela

Jorge Valenzuela 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 with greater effectiveness. Specializing in instructional innovation and action research, Jorge provides expert training in team building, core instruction, project-based learning (PBL), STEM pathways, entrepreneurship, and life skills integration. Partnering with Corwin, he helps schools systematically enhance instructional practices and adopt innovative teaching strategies, including PBL. He is a published researcher and author who also hosts the Lifelong Learning Defined podcast, sharing insights and strategies to inspire and support educators.

Table of Contents

Table of Contents

Part 1: The PBL+ Framework

1.Element 1: Understand the Components of Research-Informed Project-Based Learning

Using Evidence to Improve PBL Practice

Common Hurdles to Implementing PBL

Pacing and Teaching Structure in PBL

A Simple, Effective Framework for PBL

Using the High-Quality PBL Framework

2.Element 2: Introduce Essential Life Skills and Understand the Basics of Emotional Intelligence

Students Need Emotional Support More Than Ever

The CASEL 5

Research That Informed the CASEL Framework

Demystify Emotions for Students

Use an Emotional Intelligence Planner

Tips for Using the Emotional Intelligence Planner

3.Element 3: Use Knowledge of Students to Inform Teaching

Why Teachers Need to Know Students’ Interests, Skills, and Learning Needs

Empathy Mapping for Getting to Know Students

The Benefits of Empathy Maps

Gather Data for Your Empathy Map

Constructing an Empathy Map

4.Element 4: Design Projects Relevant to the Students You Serve

Become a Confident PBL Teacher by Focusing on Core Instruction

5 Key Building Blocks of Effective Core Instruction

The Project and Performance Task Planner

Key Features of the Planner

5.Element 5: Use Frequent Feedback Cycles to Guide Student Work

Feedback Can Boost Confidence for Both Teachers and Students

Feedback in PBL

Single-Point Rubrics

Structured-Feedback Protocol Steps and Tool

Assessment in PBL

Good Assessment Practices in PBL

Part 2: SEL-Infused Projects

6.Understanding Self-Awareness for Connecting Passion and Purpose

Why Students Need to Improve Self-Awareness

7.Understanding Social Awareness for Having Successful Relationships

Students Can Improve Social-Awareness Skills in Tandem With Academic Content

8.Responsible Decision Making: From Awareness to Action

The Role of the Brain in Decision Making

Part 3: A Roadmap to Student Engagement and Rigorous PBL

9.Using a 5-Step Roadmap to Activate Student Engagement and Rigorous PBL

Student Engagement Is the First Step to Rigorous PBL

Three Simple Engagement Strategies

10.Fostering Collaboration and Teamwork

The Ideal Teammate Activity

Set Roles for Each Team Member

First Team Meeting: Create Shared Agreements

Setting Guidelines for Students Working Together

5 Ways to Begin Creating Shared Agreements

Team-Building Activities and Collaboration Measures

11.Helping Students Prepare for the Public Product

Step 1: Use Protocols That Require Students to Explain

Step 2: Help Students Develop Presentation Scripts

Step 3: Take Pressure Off Students While Presenting

Step 4: Lead by Going First

12. Leveraging Artificial Intelligence Tools to Streamline Project Unit Planning and Boost Productivity for Teachers

Harnessing Generative AI for Project and Instructional Design

Use ChatGPT to Google

Using Microsoft Copilot to Streamline Lesson Design and Win Back Time

Creating PowerPoint Presentations With Microsoft Copilot

Creating Lessons in Word With Microsoft Copilot

Practice Mapping and Organizing Lessons With Microsoft Copilot


Other Titles in: Emotional Intelligence | Critical Thinking Skills | Student Collaboration

Price: $32.95
Volume Discounts applied in Shopping Cart

Review Copies

Review copies may be requested by individuals planning to purchase 10 or more copies for a team or considering a book for adoption in a higher ed course. To request a review copy, contact sales@corwin.com.

Related Resources

  • Access to companion resources is available with the purchase of this book.