History of Project Based Learning (PBL)

The roots of PBL lie in the long-standing education philosophy that students learn best through experiential, hands-on, and student directed learning experiences. Utilization of PBL has exploded over the last 25 years for many reasons. One reason is that the current research indicates that students need to construct knowledge through engaging and rich learning experiences. Another reason is that educators are becoming increasingly aware that high school graduates will be entering a global economy in which both knowledge and integrated skills are required to succeed. In other words, students will need to be able to plan, collaborate, think critically, solve problems, and communicate effectively to be successful. These skills will apply whether students go directly into the workforce or into an institution of higher education. These 21st Century Skills are central to project based learning and reflect the world in which children now live.

What is PBL?

Although there is no one definition of PBL, the Buck Institute for Education defines PBL as "a systematic teaching method that engages students in learning knowledge and skills through an extended inquiry process structured around complex, authentic questions and carefully defined products and tasks." More simply stated, PBL is "learning by doing."

In a classroom where students are involved in outstanding project work, students are put into a "students-as-workers" setting. This includes engaging in critical thinking, written and oral communication, creativity, current technologies, and long range planning to move a project forward. Another essential component of an excellent project is collaborating with community professionals so that students can benefit from mentors with "real world" experience.

Olander's History

Emil "Lefty" Olander began his career in a one-room school on the grasslands of eastern Colorado in the town of Grover.  He began teaching and coaching in Fort Collins in 1943 at Lincoln Junior High School.  During his tenure, Mr. Olander taught physical education at Fort Collins High School and Poudre High School.  He coached football, basketball, and track. His teams won a number of conference and state titles. In 1982, Lefty Olander was inducted into Colorado High School Coaches Association Hall of Fame.

Eleanor Olander began her teaching career in 1951 at Harmony School. In 1952, she joined the Fort Collins Public School District #5 as one of the district's first two elementary physical education teachers. In her first year she pioneered the district's elementary physical education program, traveling  among several schools. Since that time, this program has developed into the current K-6 Physical Education Program present in all elementary schools in Poudre School District.  In 1961, Mrs. Olander began teaching sixth grade at Bennett Elementary School, the year it opened. She continued in that role until her retirement in 1975. Eleanor helped organize the district's first elementary Science Fair, which continues now in the district.

The dedication of these two individuals to education in the Fort Collins community and their caring for youth gives Olander Elementary School a proud tradition of excellence that sets the standard for achievement and pride in our students.