Project-based Learning with Design Thinking

Why PBL with DT?

Project-based learning with Design Thinking (PBL with DT) is a researched effective practice that provides high expectations, strong instruction, engagement, and relevance, resulting in increased academic achievement for scholars. The Project-based learning with Design Thinking process promotes growth at all levels by teaching, challenging, and supporting scholars mentally, socially, and emotionally. As the only middle school devoted solely to Project-based learning with Design Thinking as an avenue to preparing scholars for success in college and careers, we are be able to offer unique experiences to the families in our community. Furthermore, these experiences provide a seamless transition into TAG high schools, magnet high schools, choice high schools, and our local feeder high school, North Dallas, which also teaches using Project-based learning with Design Thinking model. Ultimately, this teaching model empowers scholars to build the soft skills necessary to become not only agents of their own learning, but also agents of positive change in the world. 

 

 

What is PBL with DT?

Project-based learning with Design Thinking is a teaching model where students learn through experience, real-world application, and problem solving. This pedagogical approach allows students at Spence to turn their content knowledge into applicable skills through projects. Each project follows a five step process (see above) which allows students to better understand, learn, and grow. For more information, visit pblworks.org/blog/supporting-pbl-design-thinking-framework.