Setting Up PBL

There Are Two Major Objectives For a Successful Project...

1. Fufill an educational purpose or standard

2. Students understand the relevance of the project

What Does This Mean For the Teacher?

You need to satisfy the student's need to know the outcome. Let them think -"How will this apply to me?"
Create a driving question. i.e., "How can we reduce pollution in the atmosphere?" This will give the purpose of the project and will motivate the students to find an answer.
Allow the students to have a voice and make their own choices in the development of the project. Let them shine in whatever they may be talented in! This will create pride in a project.
Incorporate 21st century skills such as critical thinking, problem solving, creativity, communcation, and the ability to collaborate with others. These are important skills that employers are looking for in a person they might want to hire.
Provide the rubric in the beginning of the project so that your students know what you are looking for, and you can stress specific points you want the students to look for.
Constantly provide feedback and help students revising major issues.
Allow students to use technology if they choose to use it. We live in an age of technology! You would be amazed by what it can do for a project!
Set high, realistic expectations -- Students will rise to the challenge.