Project Based Learning

The 8 key elements of PBL as identified by Buck Institute for Education are:

1. Standards – Key knowledge understanding and success skills

The project is focused on student learning goals, including standards-based content and skills such as critical thinking/problem solving, communication, self-management and collaboration.

2. Challenging problem or question – the ‘Driving Question’ and sub-questions

The project is framed by a meaningful problem to solve or a question to answer, at the appropriate level of challenge.

3. Sustained inquiry

Students engage in a rigorous, extended process of asking questions, finding resources, and applying information.

4. Authenticity

The project features real-world context, tasks and tools, quality standards, or impact – or speaks to students’ personal concerns, interests, and issues in their lives.

5. Student voice and choice

Students make some decisions about the project, including how they work and what they create.

6. Reflection

Students and teachers reflect on learning, the effective-ness of their inquiry and project activities, the quality of student work, obstacles and how to overcome them.

7. Critique and revision

Students give, receive, and use feedback to improve their process and products.

8. Public product - ‘exhibition’ ‘expedition’

Students make their project work public by explaining, displaying and/or presenting it to people beyond the classroom. 

Taken from Edge Future Learning, Project Based Learning Toolkit