Project Based Learning

Project Based Learning

Project Based Learning is a systematic method that engages students in learning knowledge and skills through an extended inquiry process structured around complex, authentic questions and carefully designed products and tasks.

In-depth Project Based Learning 

• Organized around an open-ended driving question or challenge
• Creates a need to know essential content and skills
• Requires critical thinking, problem solving, collaboration, and various forms of communication
• Allows some degree of student voice and choice
• Incorporates feedback and revision
• Results in a publicly presented product or performance

Planning Project Based Learning

• Get to know your students and their strengths before beginning a project so you can tailor the project to their needs
• If you or your students are new to Project Based Learning, start small
• Plan projects so that some activities take place outside the classroom
• Get kids excited about the project
• Involve students in the development of the driving question and culminating project
• Design projects that address local, state, and national standards and issues
• Develop assessment strategies and rubrics 

Set clear expectations for students

• Base project grades on a variety of criteria from a variety of sources 
• Involve community, professional, and business resources
•  Plan how to accommodate the needs of diverse learners

Assessing Project Based Learning

Use a combination of

• Traditional assessment (quizzes and tests)
• Portfolio and authentic assessment
• Rubrics

Involve students in their own assessment

1. Choose your grade level and content subject area (s)
2. Create the question or challenge
3. Decide on end product
4. Identify the content standards in the subject area
5. Identify the key skills you are going to assess
6. Identify different things the kids will be thinking about
7. Plan assessment during the beginning, middle, and end of the product

What is Project Based Learning?- This website gives several elements on why Project Based Learning is efficient while students are learning success skills!