Implementing Project-Based Learning in the Classroom: Using Genius Hour to Drive Student Success

Onsite Professional Development Training for Teachers

Empower Students Through Real-World Learning

Project-based learning (PBL) is a student-centered approach where students actively engage in real-world projects that require critical thinking, problem-solving, and collaboration. This professional development course equips educators with practical strategies to implement PBL effectively while also exploring how to incorporate Genius Hour into the classroom.

Why PBL and Genius Hour Work

Imagine a classroom where students are deeply engaged, asking big questions, and solving real-world problems with enthusiasm. Project-Based Learning (PBL) makes this a reality by transforming traditional instruction into a dynamic, student-centered experience. Genius Hour enhances this by giving students dedicated time to explore their passions and interests, empowering them to take ownership of their learning and enhancing their curiosity.

 

Together, these approaches boost critical thinking, problem-solving, and student confidence. They also build essential 21st-century skills, increase engagement, and help educators align inquiry-based learning with curriculum standards. 

PBL Implementation Strategies for Higher Student Engagement

Through this course, you’ll learn how to:

  • Plan, launch, and assess meaningful PBL units aligned to standards
  • Tools to facilitate brainstorming, research, creation, and reflection
  • Digital templates, lesson plans, and inquiry templates you can use immediately
  • Strategies to balance curriculum coverage with student choice and creativity
  • Confidence to shift your role from instructor to learning coach

What's Included

  • Digital Resource Bundle: Lifetime Access to Resources
  • Professional Development Hours
  • Downloadable Handout for Note-Taking
  • Break-out sessions & collaboration
  • Interactive engagement
  • Real-life examples/Case Studies

Who This Training Is For

  • Elementary School Teachers
  • Secondary School Teachers
  • Education Specialists
  • School Administrators (Principals, Asst. Principals, Curriculum Directors)
  • Counselors
  • Coaches
  • Special Education Teachers
  • Curriculum Coaches
  • Educational Support Staff
  • Title 1 Teachers & Directors
  • Gifted & Talented Teacher

Training Options​

  • Full-day or Half-Day Training
  • PLC Sessions
  • Before/After School Faculty Meetings
  • Virtual Professional Development
  • Coaching & Support
  • Mini-Lesson Modeling

What’s Included in your PD Course Package

Digital Toolbox Resource

Lifetime Access to Digital Resources

Downloadable Handout

Implementation Workbook for Note-Taking

Professional Development Certificate

6hrs of PD Training credits

PD Training Schedule

Dive into the philosophy behind Genius Hour, its origins in workplace innovation, and how giving students time to explore their passions boosts engagement, creativity, and academic ownership.

Examine how education is shifting from rote memorization to preparing students for real-world challenges. Learn how Project-Based Learning (PBL) fosters 21st-century skills like empathy, collaboration, and critical thinking.

Explore how to make learning meaningful by reconnecting students with their curiosity and interests. Discover strategies to design emotionally engaging lessons that tap into intrinsic motivation and build long-term learning habits

Gain step-by-step guidance for introducing Genius Hour—from setting classroom norms and timelines to helping students brainstorm ideas and stay accountable throughout the project process.

Help students develop strong project ideas and ask meaningful, open-ended questions that can’t be answered with a quick search. Learn how to scaffold inquiry and support quality research practices

Support students in turning their research and ideas into tangible, impactful final products such as public service campaigns, prototypes, digital portfolios, or live presentations that demonstrate their learning.

Learn how to structure presentations and reflection sessions that promote confidence, peer feedback, and self-assessment. Celebrate student voice and effort while reinforcing key takeaways.

Build a sustainable framework to incorporate PBL and Genius Hour into your curriculum. Learn how to manage pacing, evaluate progress, tie projects to learning objectives, and foster a supportive classroom culture.

Customize professional learning to meet the needs of your staff and your schedule

Here’s what our On-Site Professional Development Training can look like on your campus…

Full Day or Half Day Training

Schedule one of our highly interactive, customized training sessions for your next teacher in-service day.

PLC Sessions

Have one of our consultants provide in-person professional learning within your staff’s PLC schedule.

Before/After School Training

Let one of our consultants provide training during a faculty meeting either before or after school.

Prefer learning online?

The Improving School Culture & Climate training is also offered online—same great content, accessible anywhere.

Contact us to learn more about having Strobel Education on your campus for On-site Training.

Share your questions and staff needs below, and a Strobel Education consultant will reach out to you.