If you’re contemplating using Project-Based Learning or are already trying out the latest craze to hit the modern classroom, you should know about this checklist. It details if you’re actually doing it correctly. For example, does your project focus on significant content, develop 21st century skills, and engage students in in-depth inquirty (just to name a few)? If not, you might want to reconsider your PBL approach.
See Also: What Is Project-Based Learning?
The checklist is by the PBL masters over at BIE and they’ve outlined 8 different ‘essential elements’ that must be present in a project in order for it to be considered PBL. While you may agree, disagree, or think there should be some additional elements, this checklist is phenomenal.
These elements are actually useful for even more than PBL. In fact, I’d say that it’s extremely important to make sure ANY lesson helps develop 21st century skills, organizes tasks around a driving question, and encourages voice and choice. Along with the other handful of key features too.
What do you think about this PBL Checklist? I personally find it broad enough to be useful and precise enough to make sense. Do you think it’s lacking or perfect? Would love to hear your input!
Via TeachBytes and BIE.org
Have you heard of the Finland phenomenon? They have been using PBL for a long time and guess who ranks at the top of the world in education!
Tony Wagner taped a documentary about it and wrote a book. His latest book is titled “Creating Innovators”
I agree this is essential to PBL, and a worthy set of goals by which any lesson can be made more engaging for students. Thanks for posting the graphic. I’m going to write a Middle School friendly student version for my students to use when they “pitch” me their project ideas.