Welcome to a world full of challenges- big, small, local, global, short-term and long-term. Some challenges are chosen by us, while others are forced upon us. We may eagerly anticipate some challenges, while others may fill us with dread. Ultimately, how we respond to challenges as individuals and communities shapes our future. However, our busy lives with school, work, family, and community commitments often leave little time to consider different perspectives and find innovative solutions. Without an effective framework for deep thinking and problem-solving, we may repeat past mistakes and miss opportunities for progress. With increasing complexity in the challenges we face, it's essential to cultivate a generation of engaged learners who can identify challenges and create sustainable solutions.
What CBL is
This is where Challenge Based Learning (CBL) comes into play. As an effective learning framework initiated at Apple, Inc., and used in universities, schools, and institutions around the world, the framework empowers learners (students, teachers, administrators, and community members) to address local and global challenges while acquiring content knowledge in various fields such as math, science, social studies, language arts, medicine, technology, engineering, computer science, and the arts. Through the use of CBL, students and teachers are making a difference and proving that learning can be deeper, more engaging, more meaningful, and more purposeful. CBL benefits Learners around the world benefit from CBL by acquiring knowledge and skills necessary to move to the next level and eventually enter the world as a productive member of society. CBL provides a framework for participants to accomplish this while building 21st century skills, developing a framework for life-long learning, and making an immediate impact on the world.
How CBL works
The CBL framework is collaborative and hands-on. It requires participants to seek solutions to real-life problems as part of the learning process. Challenge Based Learning builds on the foundation of experiential learning and leans heavily on the wisdom of a long history of progressive ideas. The framework is informed by innovative ideas from education, media, technology, entertainment, recreation, the workplace, and society.
Why CBL works
Using challenges to frame learning experiences originated from an exploration of reality television, conversations with individuals whose lives center on challenges, and reflection on personal learning experiences inside and outside of the classroom. When faced with a challenge, successful groups and individuals leverage experience, harness internal and external resources, develop a plan, and push forward to find the best solution. Along the way, there is experimentation, failure, success, and ultimately consequences for actions. Consequently, the challenges facilitate learning.
Conclusion
We need to act. Challenge ourselves, because we are all learners and teachers. “Learning by doing” can push us beyond the traditional hierarchy of the school and classroom, we can create environments where all stakeholders are working together to meet academic objectives while solving authentic challenges. The CBL framework empowers learners to develop innovative and sustainable solutions to local and global challenges.
Adapted from: Nichols, M., Cator, K., and Torres, M. (2016) Challenge Based Learner User Guide. Redwood City, CA: Digital Promise
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