Tag Archives: Pulse of PBL

Pulse of PBL Podcast

My coauthor Dr. Matinga Ragatz and I were guests on Dr. John Spencer’s podcast discussing ideas from our newly released book Pulse of PBL: Cultivating Equity Through Social Emotional Learning.

During this full length podcast, we share how we got started in PBL, mistakes we have made, and the KARE Gap Probe, a favorite protocol to help students manage their teams when they get stuck. Give it a listen and let us know what you think.

My New Book is Released to the Wild!

I wanted you all to be some of the first to know that Pulse of PBL, the book that I co-wrote with Matinga Ragatz is now available on Amazon. This book is the culmination of the many things that I have shared on my blog and newsletter over the years combined with Matinga’s expertise in PBL and SEL. Plus it includes many practical protocols (like the previously mentioned KARE GAP) never shared before. 

This book will absolutely demonstrate how to grow your students’ SEL skills inside of a PBL framework.


Don’t take my word on it. Here are a couple of endorsements from education leaders:

Too many schools think that SEL is a purchased curriculum, complete with once-a-week activities for 30 minutes. In this incredibly impactful book, the authors show us – through concrete, specific examples – how deeper, more authentic inquiry- and problem-based learning experiences are the true path to achieving those SEL competencies that we know our children need. The pulse metaphor of this book is a perfect fit and the learning stories contained within resonate powerfully. I can’t recommend this book highly enough for any educator who believes in whole child education, student agency and voice, and deeper, more meaningful learning.

Scott McLeod, J.D., Ph.D.; Professor of Educational Leadership and founding director, CASTLE

Pulse of PBL might be the best Project Based Learning book I’ve ever seen. And it’s not just because it’s full of concrete, usable practices for educators rather than just theories and ideas, but because it successfully shows how to plan learning experiences that connect content with the heart. Mike and Matinga teach us how to tie SEL into authentic PBL projects. Using the power of authenticity that comes from PBL, while considering the diverse backgrounds, needs, and passions of students, we can create deep and meaningful learning. This book is full of stories, research, and practices that can absolutely transform the way you teach, and more importantly, it can transform the way you see your students. When this happens, the potential for their success in and out of your classroom is limitless.

Trevor Muir, teacher, speaker, and author

In The Pulse of PBL, authors Kaechele and Ragatz avoid buzzwords and quick fixes as they make a convincing case for integrating Social and Emotional Learning and Project Based Learning. Instead, they guide readers to understanding with compelling examples, practical strategies, and their own deep commitment to providing students with the education they deserve. This is a resource that teachers will return to again and again as they put these concepts into action with their own students. 

Suzie Boss, PBL advocate and author
 

Learn with me!

If you are interested in how your school can use a PBL framework to teach SEL skills. I would love to have a conversation on how I can help. I am scheduling PBL & SEL workshops for this summer right now. Check out my workshop page or drop me an email at mikejkaechele@gmail.com. I would love to chat and co-plan meaningful PD for the educators at your school.

One and done Professional Development is ineffective. Here’s a great little post about questions you should be asking before you hire a consultant. I would be glad to develop a vision with you!

SEL Infused PBL Workshops

I am excited to announce some brand new workshops this summer based off from my upcoming book, The Pulse of PBL: Seamlessly Integrating Social and Emotional Learning! (co-authored with the amazing Matinga Ragatz). Workshops will be offered virtually so any individual in the world can join in from the comfort of their internet hotspot. All workshops are interactive, modeling a Project Based Learning framework and include participants designing a plan to implement in their classroom. My workshops can also be customized for your school and facilitated remotely or in person (I am fully vaccinated).

SEL Infused PBL

July 19-23rd 9:00am – 12:30pm EST Registration & Payment

(Recommended for teachers new to PBL. Space is limited to allow for personal coaching)

Meaningful Project Based Learning focuses inquiry on content and cultivates Social and Emotional Learning skills simultaneously. During this workshop educators will create their own PBL project integrated with SEL competencies by experiencing the PBL process themselves. Teachers from all levels and content areas will partake in a PBL environment full of protocols and structures instantly transferable to any classroom. This hands-on, comprehensive workshop will support teachers to confidently transition to SEL infused PBL inspiring students to change their world.

Transformative SEL: The Pulse of PBL

July 30th 9:30am – 4pm EST Registration & Payment

(1, 2, or 3 day options are available for school workshops. Recommended for teachers with PBL experience. Space is limited to allow for personal coaching.)

With the trauma of the craziness of 2020, educators are paying more attention than ever to Social and Emotional Learning. Many teachers use mindfulness, yoga, and other exercises to help students focus, but these tools focus primarily on self-control and behavior management. The SEL competencies encompass so much more! Discover how to teach, practice, and assess ALL of the CASEL competencies in this hands-on workshop. SEL is the Pulse of PBL: the energy running through the veins of a project that gives life to PBL and develops students into self-reliant learners. Using a Project Based Learning framework, each participant will develop a personalized plan to cultivate all of their students’ SEL skills. 

SEL Experiences and Options for School PD:

All of the SEL workshops address common myths about SEL, best practices of SEL implementation, and how to teach, practice, and assess SEL within a Project Based Learning framework. Although ideally suited for PBL, the SEL strategies can be implemented in any K-12 classroom. Each participant will complete a personalized SEL plan for their students. Multiple day SEL workshops allow groups to add the following optional add-ons and focus areas:

  • Transformative SEL: Transformative SEL means that students don’t just practice CASEL competencies in a sterile environment, but address issues of justice and equity. Projects should be culturally responsive and scaffolded for all learners including special education and English Learners. Design powerful SEL experiences bent toward justice in the community. 
  • Extreme Project Makeover: Bring an old project, stale unit, or a new idea that you want to revamp for maximum impact. Share previous successes and challenges of SEL in your classroom. Integrate the SEL competencies with new protocols to develop a personalized plan to cultivate ALL of your students’ SEL skills. 
  • Focus on 1 Core Competency: CASEL organizes SEL into 5 core areas: Self-Awareness, Self-Management, Social Awareness, Relationship Skills, and Responsible Decision-Making. Tailor your workshop for a deep dive into specific strategies of one or more of these competencies.
  • Developing Oracy and Public Speaking Skills: Students don’t show up to your class as natural experts in Relationship Skills. They need to be taught SEL skills such as how to communicate effectively with their team and how to effectively share their ideas with the world. Discover specific strategies to improve student dialogue around controversial issues, negotiating group conflicts, and presenting their ideas publicly. 
  • Community Partnerships: PBL and SEL need to be seated in authentic contexts. Take your projects to a higher level with community partnerships to engage in local issues. Explore how partnerships in the community motivate students to practice SEL skills in meaningful problems with local experts.
  • Classroom Culture & Community: Launching into SEL and/or PBL for the first time can seem daunting. Experience proven structures and techniques to successfully establish classroom culture from the start of the year that encourages students to actively engage in tasks, take risks, and come together as a learning community. Individually or as a school team, design a plan for the opening weeks of school.
  • Project and Group Management: Responsible Decision-Making leads to work done efficiently and on-time. Discover specific tools and practices to help facilitate projects in the classroom. Roleplay common scenarios and practice using tools that teach students to problem solve and manage themselves, their teammates, and the project work. 
  • Leadership Through Service Learning: Brainstorm and plan a PBL project around specific needs in the community. Apply Transformative SEL and Community Partnerships to cultivate student leadership by investigating and tackling tough local problems to improve citizen’s lives.
  • Assessing SEL: Educators understand that if learning is important, it needs to be assessed (but not necessarily graded). Design a plan to effectively assess the different competencies throughout a project with an emphasis on goal-setting and personal growth.
  • Extended Work Time with Personalized Coaching: Multiple day workshops allow further time for planning SEL implementation of the strategies experienced in the workshop to teacher’s classrooms. During group work time, personalized feedback and coaching is provided.

Questions? Would you like to chat about customizing for your school? Connect with me at michaelkaechele.com or @mikekaechele on Twitter.