Challenge Based Learning

Challenge Based Learning (CBL) is a framework designed to improve learning and organizational behavior around authentic learning experiences that encourage learners to leverage the technology they use in their daily lives. Challenges range in size and scope, from promoting the use of tap water instead of bottled water in a school to creating an authentic medium for strengthening democracy.

Originally designed by a team at Apple in 2008, CBL today is used by educators, schools and districts around the world to think deeply about challenges and the accompanying goals, language, investment, and motivation, schools and districts are able to develop meaningful, interconnected and long-lasting learning engagements. Through the CBL process, students learn skills and ways of thinking that will support them as learners throughout their lives.

Now, Digital Promise offers consulting services to help schools and districts build a CBL environment through professional development and strategic planning. In a CBL engagement, Digital Promise consultants work with school teams and district leaders to implement the CBL framework in a way that complements the district’s philosophical underpinnings and goals, integrates 21st century skills in instruction, and supports the realization of the full potential of technology in learning.

The CBL framework is based on three action steps:

1. Engage. Learners use essential questioning to develop a personal and actionable challenge—a real-world problem that can be solved in their school or their community.
2. Investigate. Learners develop contextualized learning experiences and conduct rigorous, content- and concept-based research to create a foundation for the solutions they choose.
3. Act. Learners implement their solutions in authentic settings, receive feedback and learn from their successes and failures.

To learn more about our CBL solution, contact CBL@digitalpromise.org.