An Entry-Level PBL for High School English and Social Studies Teachers
Over the last decade, project-based learning (PBL) has transformed secondary education throughout the United States. In a PBL school, students are active learners, and take ownership of their education.
Over the last decade, project-based learning (PBL) has transformed secondary education throughout the United States. In a PBL school, students are active learners, and take ownership of their education. The teacher is a facilitator to knowledge, and not the gatekeeper.
If your school has yet to adopt PBL, knowing where to start is no small challenge. To get you and your students’ feet wet, you need to use an ‘entry-level’ PBL, one that is challenging but not overwhelming.
This article proposes a PBL that pairs an English III and U.S. history teacher (along with their students). It is adapted from a PBL that the author helped develop and implement in spring 2013.
Project Introduction
- Project Length: 9 weeks
- S. History Standards Covered: The American Civil Rights and Antiwar Movement
- English III Standards Covered: Research, Essay Writing, Public Speaking
- Products: For this project, each student takes on an identity of a major Civil Rights or antiwar movement leader. He or she will turn that leader’s message into modern media posts such as twitter/Instagram/blog etc. With this product, students will educate their peers at a TED-style talk, for which they will prepare a 4-minute speech.
Throughout the project, both teachers meet on a regular basis (at least twice a week) to discuss students’ progress and solve any complications that may arise. The components below run in parallel.
Final Thoughts
Even for experienced teachers, PBLs are a challenge to develop and implement. That’s why first timers should start small. This is a brand-new experience for you and your students. Celebrate successes, learn from mistakes, and use the experience to create even better PBLs in the future.
Thomas Broderick is a freelance writer and consultant in the education field. He lives in Northern California. You can learn more about Thomas on his website.
Read More:
Information last updated: June 2026