NDE1050: Project-Based Learning Pathway: Designing Authentic Questions Microcredential

This course is appropriate for teachers and licensed personnel who work directly with students.

Project-based learning (PBL) is a student-centered approach to learning where students investigate a complex issue and, through research, collaboration, and critical thinking, design an approach to address the issue. PBL incorporates Essential Questions (EQs), or questions that are open-ended, meaning there is no "right" answer; they spark thinking, engagement, discussion, debate, and further questions; they require higher-order thinking skills; they are often global ideas and thoughts that can be addressed in multiple disciplines—this makes PBL work well for cross-curricular projects—and they stand the test of time—they can be addressed again and again with possibly different outcomes. Driving Questions (DQs) are often an offshoot of EQs; they are similar but may be more focused on specific research. DQs can help students retain learned material and focus their research in order to find possible solutions to their research questions. This microcredential focuses on the educator's ability to help students design and research open-ended questions to support project-based learning.