Today during our summer planning days, we conducted a protocol with teachers about the similarities and differences between PBL and STEM. The group was split into 4 groups, each group not knowing the question given to the other. The four questions were as follows:

1. What are the characteristics of a PBL teacher?
2. What are the characteristics of a STEM teacher?
3. What are the characteristics of a PBL student?
4. What are the characteristics of a STEM student?

Each group brainstormed characteristics of each and we sorted the characteristics on whether they were characteristics of a Student, Teacher, or Both. All of the characteristics listed here both student and teacher!

Why was doing this so important? Often we see PBL and STEM as two separate initiatives. They are indeed NOT. This really helped to visually see the collective thoughts of our teachers, and to show that what they are doing matters….whether they are in a full PBL or whether they are conducting a STEM activity, they are doing what is expected, valued, and believed by our school culture! It was an #exceptional day of learning!