How to Implement P2 Project Based Learning (PBL)
What Is P2 Project Based Learning?
Project Based Learning (PBL) is a student-centered approach that helps learners explore authentic, real-world challenges through inquiry, collaboration, and creativity. At The Positivity Project (P2), our unique take on PBL integrates character strengths and the Other People Mindset into every stage of learning.
P2 Project Based Learning gives students opportunities to apply character strengths like perseverance, creativity, leadership, and kindness to real-world problems. This process deepens understanding and builds empathy — all while developing lifelong problem-solving and employability skills.
How P2 PBL Supports the P2 Mission
The P2’s Weekly Slide Presentations focus on three components — Understand, Engage, Reflect — guiding students to explore and apply character strengths daily.
Our P2 PBL process expands this to five sequential components:
- Engage
- Inquire
- Create
- Reflect
- Share
This universal framework, used in all P2 Project Based Learning units from K–12, provides a consistent structure for deep learning. As students grow more comfortable with this process, they learn how to apply it to academic, social, and personal challenges throughout life.
Engage
Inquire
Create
Reflect
Share
Scripted PBL Units: The Perfect Starting Point
New to Project Based Learning or short on planning time?
P2 now offers Scripted PBL Units — complete, easy-to-implement projects scaffolded from our original open-ended PBLs.
Each Scripted PBL can be completed in five 15-minute lessons, making it possible to complete a full unit in one week of allotted P2 time. Every Scripted Unit includes:
- Step-by-step instructions for teachers
- Direct guidance for students
- Clear objectives and reflection prompts
Click here to learn more about Scripted PBL Units.
Note: PBL units can be completed individually or in groups, depending on student needs. Regardless of structure, collaboration and reflection are always built into the process.
The 5 Components of the P2 Project Based Learning Framework
1. Engage
Students begin with an authentic, meaningful challenge — one that helps others better understand character strengths or positive relationships. This stage sparks curiosity and personal connection. The introductory slides in every PBL unit make this process easy to follow — even if you’re new to Project Based Learning.
2. Inquire
Students gather information and conduct research to deepen their understanding. This stage builds critical thinking and helps students learn to ask and answer their own need-to-know questions.
Methods include:
- Teacher-directed mini-lessons
- Research stations
- Technology-based inquiry
- Expert interviews
Tip: Encourage students to update their “need-to-know” list as they learn — this keeps inquiry active and authentic.
3. Create
Students design a solution or product that synthesizes what they’ve learned. Their work demonstrates both academic understanding and character strength application. Projects can be independent or collaborative.
Students might present:
- Visual displays or posters
- Public service announcements (PSAs)
- TED-style talks or debates
- Websites, podcasts, or social media campaigns
- Plays, exhibits, or interactive presentations
4. Reflect
Reflection is essential to the P2 PBL process. Students assess their learning, analyze feedback, and consider how their work impacts others.
5. Share
Finally, students present their projects to an authentic audience, strengthening communication skills and confidence. The “Share” step completes the learning cycle — students see their impact and celebrate growth.
Why P2 Project Based Learning Works
Implementing P2 PBLs help students connect classroom learning to real-world purpose. It naturally supports The Positivity Project’s mission of empowering students to build positive relationships and understand their character strengths in action.
Through the Engage → Inquire → Create → Reflect → Share process, students become:
- More empathetic communicators
- Better collaborators
- Thoughtful, resilient problem-solvers