Project Based Learning

In preparations for a district professional development summer course, I have been assigned to read Reinventing Project-Based Learning: Your Field Guide to Real-World Projects in the Digital Age, by Suzie Boss and Jane Krauss.  First impressions, I kind of like it.  And by that I mean, I really like it.

I have a feeling I may come back and add more thoughts as I continue reading (I'm only through Chapter 1).  So far, it has given a concise descriptors of project-based learning (PBL).

1. PBL is active learning. 
2. PBL is based on questions.
3. PBL allows for learners to make choices. 
4. PBL facilitates teamwork. 
5. PBL encourages risks. 

I am ALL about this.  If you could have seen the cover letter I wrote for my current job, I think I spoke to most, if not all, of these points.  

The authors quoted the Singapore's Ministry of Education's motto: "Teach Less, Learn More".  Let's just ponder that one for a moment.  Read it over once more... ask yourself "What does that mean?"  If the author wrote only four words in her entire book, I think it should be that motto. 

My head is spinning with ideas (not out of the ordinary for me-- hopefully I'll be able to sleep tonight).  I can't help but to try to plan my year out based on some of these ideas.  But, I feel a little torn based on the constraints of textbook and curriculum adoption.  How does one use the curriculum but let questions guide instruction? This is my enduring question.