Challenge Based Learning Guide and Toolkit - Featured Image

Key Themes and Concepts: Challenge Based Learning, Pedagogical Framework, Student Centred Approach, Real World Challenges

This Challenge-Based Learning Guide and Challenge-Based Learning Online Toolkit are designed to introduce educators to this student-centred approach to learning in a real-world, interdisciplinary way. This approach can be used to apply student learning to real-world challenges and develop action-oriented Sustainability Citizenship.

The Challenge-Based Learning Guide is available below in PDF form, with additional links provided to the Challenge-Based Learning Online Toolkit and other supporting resources.

Challenge Based Learning (CBL) is 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 math, science, social studies, language arts, medicine, technology, engineering, computer science and the arts. Through Challenge Based Learning, students and teachers are making a difference and proving that learning can be deep, engaging, meaningful, and purposeful.

The CBL Toolkit is a library of resource that include ideas for challenges, process helpers and resources specific to the different phases and steps. Resources are also available to help develop assessment strategies and make us of student reflection.

A link to the CBL Toolkit by The Challenge Institute is available below:

Creative Commons BY SA

Permission is granted under a Creative Commons Attribution License to replicate, copy, distribute, transmit, or adapt the Challenge-Based Learning Guide freely provided that attribution is provided as illustrated in the citation below. Nichols, M., Cator, K., and Torres, M. (2016) Challenge Based Learner User Guide. Redwood City, CA: Digital Promise

Other Resources:

To help you get started on your journey into CBL, University of Twente with ECIU University created an introductory video on CBL called Challenge-Based Learning in Practice (CBL)

Dublin City University has also produced a guide providing an overview of CBL and how it can be incorporated into your course design to enhance the student learning experience at university. Challenge Based Learning (CBL): Implementation Guide for those who Teach by Dr Fiona O’Riordan and Clare Gormley is licensed under CC BY 4.0

Challenge Based Learning Guide (PDF):

Target audience

The Challenge Based Learning user guide is for anyone (students, teachers, parents, administrators, and community members) interested in building learning communities focused on identifying Challenges and implementing thoughtful and sustainable solutions.

How to use this Best Practice

The Challenge Based Learning Guide provides background information, key concepts, and resources for getting started.

The Guide is organized into four sections:

  • An overview of key concepts, the updated framework, and ideas about implementation.
  • Recommendations and resources to support the use of Challenge Based Learning.
  • An in-depth walkthrough of the framework with examples, tips and best practices.
  • The final section includes connections with other educational approaches to assist with decision making and integration.

Alongside the guide, the online toolkit provides a library of resources that include ideas for Challenges, process helpers and resources specific to the different phases and steps.

Learning Outcomes

Teacher LO B: Challenge Based Learning is an educational framework that encourages students to apply their learning to address real-world sustainability challenges. This pedagogical structure adopts an interdisciplinary approach that support students developing key green competencies and sustainability citizenship. By working to understand and develop creative solutions to local challenges, it can bring the global thinking of sustainability to a local context.
Teacher LO C: CBL requires teachers to rethink their professional practice and means of assessment. It also requires input from outside stakeholders and experts from the field. By equipping teachers with a pedagogical framework and appropriate assessment criteria that prioritise competency development, teacher will be better inform and supported in reflecting and revising on their practice.
Teacher LO D: CBL is a pedagogical approach that requires adaptation to the local context through the student-centred stages of engaging, investigating and acting. Adopting a CBL approach requires teachers to synthesis the framework to their own students and context, through collaboration with peers, outside stakeholders and students.
Teacher LO E: The CBL Guide and Toolkit provide guidelines for developing assessment criteria and example rubrics to adapt to each context as necessary.