Challenge Based Learning is pioneered by Apple, Inc as a pedagogic approach to K-12 education. It has its source from Problem Based Learning and the work of John Dewey. The definition of Challenge Based Learning (CBL), as defined by Apple, Inc. is "an engaging multidisciplinary approach to teaching and learning that encourages learners to leverage the technology they use in their daily lives to solve real-world problems. CBL is collaborative and hands-on, asking students to work with peers, teachers and experts in their communities and around the world to ask good questions, develop deep subject area knowledge, identify and solve challenges, take action and share their experience."
To learn more about Challenge Based Learning, click on the button below which will take you to the Challenge Based Leaning Organization Website and read the document provided:
To learn more about the process of Challenge Based Learning, please click on the following link or picture to take you to the www.challengebasedlearning.org website where you can click on the 'Process' tab.
The Key Essential Elements to Challenge Based Learning are as follows:
Big Idea
The big idea is a broad concept that can be explored in multiple ways, is engaging and has importance to students, and the larger society. Examples of big ideas are Resilience, Separation, Creativity, Health, Sustainability and Democracy.
Essential Question
By design, the big idea allow for the generation of a wide variety of essential questions that reflect the interests of the students and the needs of their community. Each group will narrow their thoughts to one essential question.
The Challenge
From the essential question a concise challenge is articulated that asks the learners to create a specific solution that will result in concrete, meaningful action.
Guiding Questions, Activities and Resources
Generated by the learners, guiding questions represent the knowledge needed to successfully develop a solution and provide a map for the learning process. The learners identify lessons, simulations, activities and content resources, to answer the guiding questions and set the foundation for them to develop innovative, insightful and realistic solutions.
Solutions
Each challenge is stated broadly enough to allow for a variety of solutions. Each solution should be thoughtful, concrete, clearly articulated and actionable in the local community.
Implementation
Implementation allows the learners to test their solution in an authentic environment. The scope of implementation can vary greatly depending on time and resources, but even the smallest effort to put the plan into action in a real-life setting is critical.
Evaluation
During the evaluation process the learners gauge the success of their solution using a variety of qualitative and quantitative methods including surveys, interviews and videos. Through this process the learners determine the efficacy of the solution and can determine the next steps.
Documentation
At each step of the challenge process the learners should document and publish information about their experience. Documentation and publishing utilizing blogs, videos and other tools creates the resources for ongoing reflection and assessment. These resources can also serve as the foundation for a learning portfolio and communicating the solution to the world.
Reflection
Throughout the process, the learners should be continuously reflecting on content and the process. Much of the deepest learning takes place by considering the process, thinking about one's own learning, analyzing ongoing relationships between the content and concepts and interacting with other people.
Informative Assessment
Assessment can and should be conducted throughout the challenge process. The results of the formal and informal assessments confirm learning and inform decision making as the learners move towards the implementation of their solution. During the evaluation stage both process and product can be assessed.
Classroom Guide to Challenge Based Learning
ISB teachers: to learn how to implement Challenge Based Learning into your classroom, please click on the following link that was crated by Apple, Inc: