Navigating twenty-first-century life seems to involve one complex project after another. Discover how to bring this reality into the adult education classroom through meaningful, learner-centered projects. Project-based learning engages adult learners in authentic tasks that build language, literacy, and digital skills while strengthening critical workforce preparation competencies. Through collaborative, real-world projects, learners develop essential workforce readiness skills—including critical thinking, effective communication, collaboration, problem-solving, and self-management—that support success in education, employment, and long-term economic mobility.
- Instructors of all levels of adult ESOL
- ABE teachers of all levels: ESOL, Math, Science, Social Studies
- Instructional leaders
This professional development activity/course is designed for:
This session will define project-based learning and provide a rationale and practical strategies for implementing this instructional approach with adult learners across a range of literacy and language proficiency levels. Participants will explore the process step by step, identify adaptations for learners at different levels, and discuss how to apply these strategies in their own instructional settings.
The course will highlight how project-based learning supports workforce preparation by engaging learners in authentic, real-world tasks that mirror the collaboration, communication, and problem-solving expected in today's workplaces. Sample projects from current classroom teachers, along with examples from the national Teaching the Skills That Matter Toolkit, will demonstrate how can strengthen language and literacy instruction while fostering workforce readiness and helping learners achieve their education, career, and personal goals.
Virtual Session: Wed., April 28, 2027, 2 - 4 p.m.
PLEASE NOTE:
Before the course opens, registrants will receive a separate email with instructions on how to access the course in Canvas. If you do not receive those instructions, please check your spam folder and/or send an email to nruskin@edc.org.
- Articulate the key elements and instructional benefits of project-based learning
- Explain how supports rigorous, learner-centered instruction that develops academic knowledge, language and literacy skills, and workforce preparation competencies, including communication, collaboration, critical thinking, and self-management
- Identify strategies for implementing and adapting in a variety of adult education settings, including ESOL and ABE/ELA classrooms, to support learners' educational, workforce readiness, and personal goals
- Access and apply resources, including examples from the Teaching the Skills That Matter Toolkit, to design and implement effective project-based learning experiences
Upon completion of this professional development activity/course, you will be able to:
Participants should have a basic understanding of Zoom features and breakout rooms.
United States
