Project-Based Learning or Problem-Based Learning (PBL) is sweeping the nation as a new model for achievement in education. PBL approaches education in a different way from traditional teaching. In traditional teaching, the teacher "presents" material and then tests the students to see if they have learned (generally meaning "memorized") the material.

In PBL, the course objectives are built into a series of projects which students complete. The students must "teach themselves" (with the teacher's help) the information and skills that they need to develop in order to complete the projects. The teacher becomes a resource and guide to help each student learn the necessary skills and information.

No testing is required in a PBL course because the student wouldn't have been able to complete the projects without completing the learning objectives of the course. Completion of the projects is the teacher's assessment of the learning outcomes.

One problem with PBL as it is frequently presented is that there is no method of implementation, so even teachers who accept the theory and learn how to create useful, relevant, and rigorous projects are left with many questions about grading, quality of projects, how to motivate students to want to do the projects, etc.

Consultant Learning is a "student-centered project-based learning" methodology that builds the projects into an implementation framework that solves most of the difficulties teachers have in implementing PBL in the classroom, such as student motivation, student evaluation and grading, etc.

For information on PBL and how one district, San Diego City Schools, is using PBL and integrating it with Consultant Learning, go to http://summer.sandiegostc.org/pbl.htm. There you can read how the San Diego City Schools School to Career Department has presented summer training programs for their teachers in PBL with an optional segment for those interested in instituting Consultant Learning.

As a result of their training efforts, the San Diego City School District has dozens of teachers using one form or another of PBL, including nearly 50 teachers using Consultant Learning.