Challenge Based Learning (CBL) provides an efficient and effective framework for learning while solving real-world challenges. The framework fuels collaboration to identify big ideas, ask thoughtful questions, and identify, investigate and solve challenges. CBL helps learners gain deep subject area knowledge and develop the skills necessary to thrive in an ever-changing world.
Take Action. Make a Difference.
THE FRAMEWORK
The CBL Framework includes three interrelated phases: Engage, Investigate, and Act. The framework acts as a customizable starting point for learners.
TOOLKIT
Explore resources created by learners worldwide to support Challenge Based Learning.
QUICK START
Ready to get started? The Getting Started section provides some ideas for preparing for and starting your first challenge.
LEARNING CENTER
The CBL Learning Center offers a variety of ways to deepen your knowledge. From Micro-credentials to an in-depth user guide – we have you covered.
NEW IDEAS
CBL is a fluid framework that evolves based on lessons learned, new ideas and making connections. Check out some new ideas and share yours.
STORIES
Stories inspire and give us a glimpse of what is possible when learners implement CBL. Explore the stories and think about what story you want to tell.
CBL IN ACTION
Big Idea: HEALTH
The challenge you choose can make all of the difference. Moving from a narrower challenge of losing weight to the challenge of “Be Healthy” increases the options for learning and possible solutions.
Identifying challenges.
Developing Sustainable Solutions.
Becoming Lifelong Learners
Why Challenges?
Challenges surround us: large, small, local, global, short and long-term. Some we choose, some choose us, some we look forward to, some we dread, some we address, and some we try to ignore. Ultimately, how we individually and communally respond to Challenges will determine our future. As problems become increasingly complex and pressing, the need to develop a generation of engaged Learners equipped to identify Challenges and develop innovative and sustainable Solutions is crucial.
Using Challenges to frame learning experiences originated from exploring reality television, conversations with individuals whose lives center on Challenges, and reflection on personal learning experiences inside and outside the classroom. When faced with a Challenge, successful groups and individuals leverage experience, harness internal and external resources, develop a plan and push forward to find the best solution. Along the way, there is experimentation, failure, success and ultimately consequences for actions. Adding Challenges to learning environments results in urgency, passion, and ownership – ingredients often missing in schools.
Imagine millions of empowered Learners focused on creating solutions to local and global Challenges as part of their school work. The world becomes a better place.
voices From THE FIELD
What the teacher/learners are saying about the Challenge Based Learning Framework and Experience.
The strength of CBL is ownership . . . They go above and beyond expectations. Outside CBL – “I have to do this” Inside CBL – “I want to do this”
“CBL was a life changing experience for me. It was the first time in my life that I felt I was learning at my maximum capacity.”
“In terms of student reward, I think the project is going to be fantastic. If student engagement is the problem … then getting them projects where they get to be active in class is definitely the key to the solution.”
“In CBL the students become learning “enthusiasts.” They rediscover the magic of learning, that learning can be fun and deep importance in their lives.”