How do you support project-based learning in your classroom?

1 Define the project goals and criteria

Before you launch a project, you need to have a clear idea of what you want your students to learn and how you will measure their progress. You can use standards, objectives, or essential questions to guide your project design and alignment. You also need to communicate the project goals and criteria to your students, so they know what is expected of them and how they will be evaluated. You can use rubrics, checklists, or exemplars to provide feedback and guidance throughout the project.

2 Plan the project scope and timeline

Another important aspect of PBL is to plan the project scope and timeline, so that you can manage the project effectively and avoid potential pitfalls. You need to consider how long the project will take, what resources and materials you will need, and how you will organize the project phases and tasks. You also need to plan for contingencies, such as changes in schedules, availability, or circumstances. You can use tools such as calendars, agendas, or Gantt charts to help you and your students keep track of the project milestones and deadlines.

3 Scaffold the project skills and processes

PBL requires students to develop and apply various skills and processes, such as research, inquiry, problem-solving, communication, and self-regulation. However, not all students may have the same level of readiness or proficiency in these skills and processes. Therefore, you need to scaffold the project skills and processes, so that you can support your students' learning and growth. You can use strategies such as modeling, coaching, questioning, or differentiating to help your students acquire and improve the skills and processes they need for the project.

4 Facilitate the project collaboration and communication

PBL also requires students to work in teams and communicate with various stakeholders, such as peers, teachers, experts, or community members. However, not all students may have the same level of experience or confidence in collaborating and communicating effectively. Therefore, you need to facilitate the project collaboration and communication, so that you can foster a positive and productive project culture. You can use strategies such as establishing norms, roles, and protocols, providing feedback and coaching, or creating opportunities for reflection and dialogue to help your students work and communicate well with others.

5 Assess the project outcomes and impacts

Finally, PBL requires you to assess the project outcomes and impacts, so that you can measure your students' learning and growth, as well as the project's relevance and value. You need to use multiple and varied forms of assessment, such as formative, summative, self, peer, or external assessment, to capture the different dimensions and levels of learning that occur in PBL. You also need to use authentic and meaningful assessment tasks, such as products, presentations, or portfolios, to showcase the students' work and achievements. You can use tools such as rubrics, feedback forms, or surveys to help you and your students evaluate the project outcomes and impacts.

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?