Why PBL @ TKAE?
The benefits from implementing a PBL approach are extraordinary and reinvigorating. Our learners come to school ready and eager to work on their projects. Our learners delve into the Jewish content with a sense of purpose and determination while also developing essential lifelong skills. According to Wagner, “Education needs to help our youth discover their passions and purpose in life, develop the critical skills needed to be successful in pursuing their goals, be inspired on a daily basis to do their very best, and be active and informed citizens.” Through its emphasis on student-driven learning and creation of a supportive, nurturing learning environment, PBL has changed the way our learners, their families, and our educators engage with TKAE, with Judaism, and with one another.
We also implement a backwards planning design that helps our teachers know where we want to see our students at the end of the school year. This approach helps us be realists, set clear goals for the year, and be intentional. Every Sunday before students come to class, our teachers spend hours planning for their lessons. We strive for fun, experiential and meaningful learning that will help our students build positive connections to Judaism.