Whether you are a new or a veteran practitioner of project based learning approach in your teaching, the books below will provide you with a solid theoretical and pedagogical grounding to support your PBL methodology in class. You will get to learn different assessment methods, instructional strategies and practical tips on how to effectively integrate project based learning in your teaching.


You will also be introduced to a wide variety of PBL related materials including : tools, classroom tested examples and hacks, project ready rubrics, handouts, and several other resources necessary for a seamless incorporation of PBL in your instruction.

1. Thinking Through Project-Based Learning

In Thinking Through Project-Based Learning, teachers will be introduced to:
“A research-driven case for project-based learning, supported by current findings on brain development and connections with Common Core standardsNumerous sample projects for every K-12 grade levelStrategies for integrating project-based learning within all main subject areas, across disciplines, and with current technology and social mediaIdeas for involving the community through student field research, special guests, and showcasing student work.”

2. Project Based Learning (PBL) Starter Kit, by John Larmer, David Ross, John R. Mergendollar


PBL Starter Kit provides teachers with a practical guide to help them implement PBL in their instructional activities. The book also offers examples of classroom projects, step by step guides, tips from practicing teachers, project-based learning rubrics, and several online learning resources.

3. Project-Based Learning: Differentiating Instruction for the 21st Century, by William N. Bender

In Project Based Learning: Differentiating Instruction for the 21st Century, William Bender uses an evidence based approach to explain how project-based learning enhances 21st century skills and conceptual learning. Bender shares a wide variety of helpful resources to help teachers learn how to design effective PBL projects across different grades and skill levels. He also offers instructional strategies and step by step instruction on how to integrate technology in learning and how to build social learning networks.

4.Setting the Standard for Project Based Learning, by John Larmer, John Mergendoller, Suzie Boss

Setting the Standard for Project Based Learning, written by leaders at the renowned Buck Institute for Education, explores what it means to create pedagogically sound PBl driven learning experiences. The authors put to work their long standing expertise to explain how to create, implement and assess PBL using a practical framework. The book also covers resources for school leaders to help them with the systemwide implementation of PBL.

5. Transforming Schools Using Project-Based Learning, Performance Assessment, and Common Core Standards, by Bob Lenz, Justin Wells, Sally Kingston


In Transforming Schools Using Project-Based Learning, Performance Assessment the authors engage with the concept of deeper learning arguing for the importance of integrating PBL with Common Core-aligned performance. The authors also provide various samples of schools that have successfully implemented the ethos of PBL in its classroom instruction. Teachers will find tips, recommendations, suggestions, practical guides, and several other PBL resources to use in their classrooms.

6. Hacking Project Based Learning, by Ross Cooper, Erin Murphy

Hacking Project Based Learning provides a functional model of how to create PBL and inquiry driven learning experiences in your classrooms. Educators Ross Cooper and Erin Murphy illustrate through practical examples how to integrate PBL into your teaching starting with designing umbrella questions that drive projects to using direct instruction to guide the process.

7. Project Based Learning Made Simple, by April Smith

Project Based Learning Made Simple provides down-to-earth simple hacks to create and integrate inquiry based activities in your classroom teaching. The purpose is to design a student-centered learning environment where 21st century skills (e.g., critical thinking, collaboration, creativity, communication, problem solving, etc) are fostered through academic projects. The author features project ideas covering different topics including Science and STEM, Math Literacy, Language Arts, and Social Studies.

8. Project Based Teaching, by Suzie Boss & John Larmer

In Project Based Teaching, Suzie Boss and John Larmer look at the PBL classroom from a teacher perspective. It explores the learning potential of PBL and makes a strong case for its embrace within our classrooms. Drawing on their educational expertise, the authors outline seven practices deemed crucial for project based teaching. These are: Build the Culture
Design and Plan, Align to Standards, Manage Activities, Assess Student Learning, Scaffold Student Learning, and Engage and Coach.