Like most of the pedagogies under the Experiential Learning umbrella, Project Based Learning is student driven. Its main focus is to deepen student understanding by providing authentic, real world experiences. The Buck Institute explains that in Project Based Learning, "students go through an extended process of inquiry in in response to a complex question, problem, or challenge." Buck Institute's Essential Elements of PBL include:
Significant Content - At its core, the project is focused on teaching students important knowledge and skills, derived from standards and key concepts at the heart of academic subjects.
21st Century competencies - Students build competencies valuable for today's world, such as critical thinking/problem solving, collaboration and communication, and creativity/innovation, which are taught and assessed.
In-Depth Inquiry - Students are engaged in a rigorous, extended process of asking questions, using resources and developing answers.
Driving Question - Project work is focused by an open-ended question that students understand and find intriguing, which captures their task or frames their exploration.
Need to Know - Students see the need to gain knowledge, understand concepts, and apply skills in order to answer the Driving Question and create project products, beginning with an Entry Event that generates interest and curiosity.
Voice and Choice - students are allowed to make some choices about the products to be created, how they work, and how they use their time, guided by the teacher and depending on age level and PBL experience.
Revision and Reflection - The Project includes processes for students to use feedback to consider additions and changes that lead to high-quality products, and think about what and how they are learning.
Public Audience - Students present their work to other people beyond their classmates an teacher.
About Project Based Learning:
To learn more about Project Based Learning, please visit the Buck Institute's website where you can read research, watch videos or join social networks to keep you educated, empowered and engaged in PBL.
Rubrics for Project Based Learning
Click on the Rubik cube to explore several different PBL rubric resources that you can use in your classroom.
PBL Project Design Rubric for Teachers
"The Project Design Rubric uses the 8 Essential Elements of PBL as criteria to evaluate projects [that teachers create for students]. The rubric describes three levels to assess the design of a project ... and practical examples are used to clarify the meaning of each dimension. You and your colleagues can use the rubric to guide the design of projects, give formative feedback, and reflect and revise." Click on the link above or to the picture at right to utilize this resource.
