Hacking Project Based Learning - (Hack Learning) by Ross Cooper & Erin Murphy (Paperback)

About the Book

This is your practical guide to making student-centered learning a reality that that fosters creativity, collaboration, and critical thinking.

Book Synopsis

Inquiry-Based Teaching Just Got Easier!

Unlock the power of project based learning and bring your classroom to life with real-world, student-centered learning that inspires curiosity, creativity, and collaboration. Whether you're brand-new to PBL or looking to refine your approach, Hacking Project Based Learning gives you a clear, practical roadmap to make it happen-without the overwhelm.

In this easy-to-follow guide, you'll learn how to design PBL units, create a culture of inquiry, and foster 21st century skills in education like critical thinking, communication, and collaboration. Discover how to shift ownership of learning to students, integrate standards into project based learning, and use formative assessment and feedback tools that actually empower learners.

From writing essential questions to publishing student work that matters, this book is packed with high-impact learning strategies, examples, and ready-to-use tips you can try tomorrow.

Whether you teach elementary or secondary students, this is your go-to guide for creating engagement through projects and self-directed learning that lasts a lifetime. If you're ready to transform your teaching and bring inquiry based learning to life, this book will show you how-step by step.

Review Quotes

• "Hacking Project Based Learning is a classroom essential. Its ten simple "hacks" will guide you through the process of setting up a learning environment in which students will thrive from start to finish." -Daniel H. Pink, New York Times Bestselling Author of Drive and A Whole New Mind
• "In Hattie's research, PBL has shown to have a low effect size. However, it doesn't mean we need to discount it. It means we have to look at how we do it and improve upon it. This is where Hacking Project Based Learning by Ross Cooper and Erin Murphy comes in. They have researched PBL from every angle and offer practical steps to make the PBL experience highly beneficial to students because they are practitioners who use it. This book is a very important "how-to" for every teacher and leader who is interested in PBL." -Peter DeWitt, Author/Consultant, "Finding Common Ground" Blog (Education Week)
• "The challenge for educators with project and inquiry based learning is finding the time and having the knowledge to implement effectively. Cooper and Murphy provide a much-needed resource that addresses both of these pain points in a concise, clear manner." -Eric Sheninger, Senior Fellow, International Center for Leadership in Education
• "As the Director of Innovation for Future Ready Schools, I've had the opportunity to work closely with more than 4,000 school leaders over the past few years. From coast to coast, I've seen firsthand how these leaders are seeking ways to implement rigorous, authentic learning opportunities for all students. As seen in today's most successful schools, creating such opportunities takes a redesigned learning experience that is personal while promoting real world application. In Hacking Project Based Learning, Cooper and Murphy, two highly successful practitioners, provide a blueprint for such a redesign. They outline ways to foster a culture of inquiry and creativity, grounded in a deep understanding of rigorous content, with concrete ways to authentically assess dynamic student learning and growth. Unlike many education books written today, Hacking Project Based Learning provides practical steps to shift instructional practices while maintaining a laser focus on high levels of student learning. If you're a school leader working to create authentic learning opportunities for all of your students, you will find this book to be one of your best resources on your journey moving forward." -Thomas C. Murray, Director of Innovation, Future Ready Schools, Alliance for Excellent Education, Washington, DC
• "Hacking PBL is a must-have for administrators trying to help their teachers bring hands-on, minds-on learning to their classrooms. The process is clear, the problems are real, and the hacks are practical. In the end, the work will be transformational for classrooms. Anyone starting the process of project based learning in his or her space needs this book!" -Joe Sanfelippo, Superintendent, Speaker, Co-author of Hacking Leadership