Definition of CBL

Where does CBL take place?

CBL can take place in your school, your students’ own homes, a neighbourhood market, a local park, or a village, as long as you focus on the people and issues or assets at the site.

Remember, the 3 essential parts of a CBL project are:

1
A site
2
Teachers and experts as facilitators or guides
3
A community and other stakeholders such as local groups

How is CBL linked to other teaching and learning approaches?

CBL emphasises learning through hands-on experiences, but it’s not just a field trip!

It overlaps with other effective teaching and learning strategies, such as project-based learning, inquiry-based learning, and problem based learning, which help students develop their ability to face 21st century challenges.

What is CBL?

What is NOT CBL?

Interacting with real people Only using textbooks, the internet, and other

Only using textbooks, the internet, and other materials without interacting with people

Real place — engaging with an authentic setting

Limited classroom-based learning

Applying learning to real-world issues and circumstances that are relevant to students’ lives

Abstract learning without real-life application and outcomes

Exploring the complexity of global issues and engaging with multiple perspectives

Providing simplistic solutions to complex issues

Knowledge can come from all parties

The teacher knows everything

Can involve curriculum, co-curriculum, and other school activities

Limited to one subject

Multimodal learning styles based on students’ strengths

Uses a ‘one-size-fits-all’ approach

Benefits both the community and the student

The student's learning is more important than any negative effects to the community