The resources below are intended to support your understanding and growth with designing projects that align to Pflugerville's essential elements:

REAL WORLD PURPOSE FOR LEARNING

Traditionally, learning experiences in schools often feature application of knowledge and skills as an extension of the learning gained within an academic setting. Project-based learning experiences reverse that process, setting learning in context right from the start by employing real-world problems and real-world audiences as a catalyst for authentic inquiry, application, and skill development.

EXPLORATION

Curious students wonder about their world and collaborate with others that share their interests to engage in inquiry processes. Through the use of Driving Questions and associated "Need to Know" information and skills, learners apply an inquiry-driven mindset that propels their learning forward.

APPLICATION

Students deepen their learning by thinking critically about information they encounter. They seek additional understanding through collaboration with peers or experts, participation in field work, and/or further research or investigation. The cyclical process of analysis and synthesis then allows students to transfer knowledge and skills to new situations.

CREATION

Students make thinking visible-- to their peers, to themselves, and to the world-- when they transfer ideas into tangible products and/or performances. By valuing voice in what students learn as well as choice in how they represent that learning, students refine their understanding while also developing key skills of communication, collaboration, and creativity.

REFLECTION

To paraphrase Peter Drucker, action followed by reflection elicits even more effective action. Long-term transfer of knowledge and skills is accelerated by intentional acts of reflection on both successes and challenges throughout learning. Experiences rich with goal-setting, self-monitoring, and feedback help students recognize the impact of individual effort on knowledge and skills, promoting development of a growth mindset as a catalyst for lifelong learning.

ESSENTIAL KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS

Central to the efforts of project-based learning is the development of essential knowledge and skills, represented not only by local, state, and national standards, but also by the competencies necessary for success within any given field. The engagement inspired by infusing elements of PBL into the learning process helps ensure that students are able to hone essential understanding for use in current and future pursuits.