Common Threads in PBL, Blended Learning and Emerging Instructional Models

It doesn't take long to read through an educational publication or article before you run into the terms "blended" or "hybrid" learning, "21st Century Skills" development or "project-based learning." I don't need to expound on the emerging trend to shift towards a deeper and more engaging curriculum to promote authentic learning. But it is interesting to find common elements associated with a trend.

As is generally the case with a new trend, there is not necessarily disagreement that the trend is happening; but there is debate as to how quickly the trend is being adopted. Some articles would have you believe these educational models are spreading like wildfire; others will tell you they are still experiemental and years away from mainstream adoption. The truth, as it usually does, ies somewhere inbetween.

And with most trends, we find there are new terms to add to our lexicon; which, as far as I can tell, have been commonly defined as:

• 21st Century Skills: Higher-order skills required for workforce readiness, including collaboration, communication and critical thinking. (21st Century Skills Infographic) 
• Authentic Learning: "Typically focuses on real-world, complex problems and their solutions, using role-playing exercises, problem-based activities, case studies, and participation in virtual communities of practice. The learning environments are inherently multidisciplinary." (Educause White Paper)
• Blended Learning: Integration of digitally-delivered instruction with conventional brick-and-mortar classroom activity; also may be called "hybrid" or "flipped classroom" programs.
• Project-Based Learning: "An extended process of inquiry in response to a complex question, problem, or challenge. Rigorous projects help students learn key academic content and practice 21st Century Skills." (Buck Institute for Education)

Regardless of the type of emerging instructional model districts and schools are exploring, there are some critical, elements common to them all. These elements are communication and collaboration - vital for success in our workplaces and emerging as common elements in our classrooms as well.

When I was in school, the teacher refrain was "eyes on your own paper; do your own work!" The most interesting transformation occurring in these new models is the movement away from students "doing their own work" to students working in groups, sharing information, transfering knowledge and working together to solve a common problem. Technology may be the catalyst driving the collaboration and communication between students and with instructors. Technology may also be extending the lessons and collaboration beyond the school day.

We all know change is never easy; but we've also heard every reason why change is inevitable and in the long run, beneficial. So what are the biggest challenges teachers, schools and districts are facing when trying to transform their classrooms from "traditional" to "collaborative?"

In talking with educators, I've learned that the barriers may not lie with the faculty or administration - it may be student attitudes that collaborative, project-based learning is more difficult and they tend to gravitate to a more conventional method of teaching an learning.

I'm curious to find other perspectives - what are the real challenges and roadblocks to "flipping classrooms" and integrating more relevant, real-world practices in our students' learning experience? What is standing in your way? Or better yet - what was standing in your way, and how did you overcome it?