Over the past ten years I have been working in PYP schools and have attending may professional development sessions focused on the pedagogy of the PYP. During this time, I have also has some exposure to problem based learning as well. Though I have never gone in depth with PBL and am enjoying learning about PBL projects and what the BIE hold as the gold standard.
When comparing the PYP and PBL, there appear to be many pedagogical similarities. Both systems want the students to engage with curriculum in meaningful ways that relate to the world in which the students live. Both also usually end with a major project that is typically presented to an audience in some fashion. One of the big differences is the audience for the PYP end of unit projects. While PBL is fairly explicit in stating that projects must be presented to the public, PYP does not make this requirement except to the Exhibition unit at the end of the programme. That is not to say that PYP projects are never seen by a wider audience, it really depends on the project. I have seen many grades invite the community in for an art gallery or a performance.
One of the key differences I notice between the two is the focus of the major task. With PBL, it appears that final projects provide solutions to the problem that is posed. However, within the PYP the final task is about students demonstrating their understanding of the central idea.
I'm looking forward to this course and learning more about the similarities and differences between these two approaches to teaching.
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