SUMMARY
Project Based Learning (PBL) is a research-based instructional approach that allows teachers to incorporate authentic learning experiences that provide students agency and complexity in their learning. PBL allows teachers within a discipline and across discipline to design learning experiences where students connect conceptual understandings. Using PBL, teachers are able to offer students a wide degree of voice and choice while ensuring that students master essential disciplinary content and skills. This training targets teachers from Grade 4 through Grade 12 and will focus on classroom-based strategies that empower learners to inquire and master essential content.
KEY AUDIENCE: Teachers, Coaches, Curriculum Coordinator
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INSTITUTE DETAILS
The aim of this workshop is to grow teachers' ability to develop disciplinary and trans-disciplinary Project Based Learning units that are authentic and rigorous.
Participants attending this institute can expect to:
- Understand the foundational elements of Project Based Learning
- Design PBL units that are authentic and rigorous
- Expand their knowledge of strategies to facilitate authentic PBL instruction
- Understand effective, authentic assessment in a PBL unit.
FACILITATOR
Michael McDowell, Ed.D. is a national presenter, speaking on instruction, learning, leadership and innovation. He has provided professional development services to large school districts, State Departments of Education, and higher education. In addition, he was a former National Faculty member for the Buck Institute of Education and a key thought leader in the inception of their leadership work in scaling innovation in instructional methodologies. His expertise in design and implementation is complimented by his scholarly approach to leadership, learning, and instruction. He holds a B.S. in Environmental Science and a M.A. in Curriculum and Instruction from the University of Redlands and an Ed.D. from the University of La Verne. He received departmental honors for his work in Environmental Science and was awarded the Tom Fine Creative Leadership Award for his doctoral work at the University of La Verne. He has also completed certification programs through Harvard University, the California Association of School Business Officials, the American Association of School Personnel Administrators, and Cognition Education. He holds both a California single subject teaching credential and an administrative credential. Dr. McDowell currently serves as the Superintendent of the Ross School District.
Most recently, he served as the Associate Superintendent of Instructional and Personnel Services at the Tamalpais Union High School District. During his tenure, the Tamalpais Union High School District was recognized by the Marzano Research Laboratories as one of the top highly reliable organizations in the United States, and schools within the district received recognitions by the US News and World Report, and honored with California Distinguished Schools accolades.
Prior to his role as a central office administrator, Dr. McDowell served as the Principal of North Tahoe High School, a California Distinguished School. Prior to administration, Dr. McDowell was a leadership and instructional coach for the New Tech Network supporting educators in designing, implementing, and enhancing innovative schools across the country.
Before engaging in the nonprofit sector, Dr. McDowell created and implemented an environmental science and biology program at Napa New Technology High School, infusing 1:1 technology, innovative teaching and assessment, and leveraging student voice in the classroom. Additionally, Dr. McDowell, taught middle school math and science in Pacifica, CA.
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REGISTRATION FEES
Membership |
Full |
Affiliate |
Individual |
Early-Bird Rate |
US$ 415 |
US$ 435 |
US$ 435 |
Full Registration |
US$ 435 |
US$ 460 |
US$ 460 |
Early-Bird Date: 11th February 2019
Cancellation Date: 12th March 2019
LOGISTICS
Venue
The American International School of Mozambique (AISM)
Rua do Rio Raraga,
Maputo, Mozambique
Visa and Health
Refer to the Mozambique VISA Information and Exemptions website for more information.
Accommodation

Hotel Name: EasyStay Maputo
Physical Address: 151 Avenida Da Marginal, Maputo, Mozambique
Phone No: +258 20 607030
Single Occupancy Rate (Bed & Breakfast): US$110
Promo Code: To be advised
Booking Process
To make your reservation, please use the link above to book directly with the hotel and reference the Promo Code. Payment will be due on check-in.
Request the hotel for airport transfers if required.
Hotel – School Transport
The Host School will provide a shuttle to pick participants from the StayEasy Maputo in the morning and provide a return trip in the evening.