Project-based Learning (PBL) is a method of teaching that presents students with a problem or challenge to solve, requires them to gather information from various resources, and asks them to come up with an original solution that ends in a product or performance. Projects are great learning tools because they challenge students to work together, think in new ways, use a variety of linguistic, content, and social skills, and incorporate creativity. PBL is an excellent approach to providing multiple options for students with different learning preferences and linguistic levels. Projects can engage students in a way that other types of classroom activities generally do not, which leads to better managed classes and more effective learning. Projects should be tied to the curriculum and allow students to apply their knowledge in ways that lead to deep, meaningful learning and real communication. Often projects are long-term endeavors that last weeks or months, but this is not essential. Although short-term projects do not have all the benefits of longer, more involved projects, they can also be very effective. If you have a very full curriculum or are new to Project-based Learning, consider starting out with a shorter, simpler project. Projects are appropriate for all ages and linguistic levels; it is up to the teacher to design a project that is age and level appropriate. So, what are the essential elements of Project-based Learning?
