About theCBL method
What is Challenge Based Learning (CBL)?
Challenge Based Learning (CBL) is a dynamic, hands-on framework that brings students, teachers, families, and community members together to explore Big Ideas, ask meaningful questions, and solve real-world Challenges. Along the way, participants build deep subject knowledge, strengthen life skills, and learn how to learn.
CBL was developed through Apple’s “Apple Classrooms of Tomorrow—Today” (ACOT2) initiative, which identified core principles for 21st-century learning. Working with innovative educators, Apple designed and tested the CBL approach to reflect those principles in action.
Inspired by experiential and progressive learning traditions, CBL is informed by ideas from across education, technology, media, entertainment, and society.
Flexible and customizable, CBL can be integrated into existing classroom practices, used for special capstone projects, or adopted as a school-wide framework for teaching, learning, and decision-making.
The Challenge Learning Framework is built around three interconnected phases: Engage, Investigate, and Act. Each phase offers targeted activities that guide and prepare you for the next stage. Within each phase, there are opportunities for smaller exploration cycles, and you can revisit earlier phases as needed. Throughout the entire journey, continuous documentation, reflection, and sharing support and enrich the learning experience.
ENGAGE
In the Engage Phase, learners transform a broad, abstract idea into a clear and actionable challenge through the Essential Questioning process. This phase is about building a personal connection to academic content by discovering, shaping, and taking ownership of a meaningful challenge.
INVESTIGATE
In the Investigate Phase, learners design meaningful, real-world learning experiences and engage in in-depth, content- and concept-driven research. This process builds a strong foundation for developing informed, practical, and sustainable solutions to their challenge.
ACT
In the Act Phase, learners develop and implement evidence-based solutions, sharing their work with a real audience and evaluating its impact. This phase brings together a commitment to creating positive change with a clear demonstration of content mastery.
