7 Essential Elements of
Project Based Learning
Examples
Student lectures (teaching as learning)
public audience (other teachers)
develop quizzes
topic of group's choosing
How to redesign the unused school space?
Architecture
research, drafted, revised design ideas
Finance
budgeting material, labour costs
How to educate people about lessening impact on water?
ELA
research exhibition
calendar
Public education to inform audience
Biology
tide measurements
water quality testing
Multifaceted Assessment
(throughout)
peer
formative
Fist to 5
Rubric
Tracking their own progress
Core to Learning
covers curriculum standards
(key knowledge/understanding)
Backward design
not added at end of unit
Sustained inquiry
Reflect and revise
asking new questions
iterate
Student-driven
Opportunities for reflection
Running whiteboard of learning
Consolidation stage
teachers as facilitator
hints, not answers
redirect
ask questions
from teacher initiated driving question
to student generated questions at entry event
Structured collaboration
thoughtfully scaffolded
Tabletop instructions
role cards
working together format
grouping journey
release and catch
(think-pair-share)
(group builds on individual thinking)
catch and release
(ensures common understanding before individual works)
bookend
(ideate together, independent research, get feedback, finish in original group)
same start to finish
group aim:
1) process (SEL growth, real-world simulation)
2) product (complimentary skillset)
grouping by:
1) student choice
2) ability
3) heterogeneity
4) homogeneity
5) similar interests
Real-World Connection
21st century/success skills
audience beyond classroom
instead of public presentation,
could be public product (e.g. display, podcast)
draw experts in
via remote
needed by someone
authentic problem/question
"How might we..."
