9 Elements of Project Based Learning
Anchor
An anchor is an introduction to a project that provides a real-world connection from the project to authentic situations that may happen outside of school. The anchor provides a compelling reason for students to want to become involved in the project.
Task
A task narrows and focuses project work by providing a specific item to complete. At the beginning of the project, students need to understand the type of project outcomes the teacher expects. This task is often created by the teacher, hwoever, advanced students may also help to design the task.
Directions
A direction shows students where they need to go, but directions give students more guidance on how to get there. Directions help students to know what to do to stay on task and make progress on their project.
Student Choices
Though project-based learning will include a task and directions, it's important that these are not so detailed that there can be no student choice in the matter. The teacher must permit student choices in project-based learning.
Student inquiry
The student-centered nature of project-based learning means that students are involved in inquiry processess. Student inquiry means that students themselves are finding and evaluating information to help them complete a project.
Collaboration and teamwork
Students learn a variety of leadership skills by assigning and following up on responsibilities, seeking information, making a plan of action and doing other group activities. Students may also have separate roles in which they must work to complete a project.
Teacher coaching and feedback
The teacher provides coaching and feedback to students during the project and evaluates students' projects when they are completed. Teacher coach students by showing or telling them how to improve what they are doing or how to better follow directions and meet project requirements.
Info
Student reflection
Reflection is an important elements of project-based learning. Students should reflect both as groups and as individuals. Students reflect at many different points in the project-based learning process.
public presentation
Project-based learning often results in authentifc and useful products that represent the students' knowledge. Presenting these products to a wide audience is a great way to showcase stduents work.
9 Elements of Project Based Learning
Hoda, McGee
Created on March 19, 2025
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Transcript
9 Elements of Project Based Learning
Anchor
An anchor is an introduction to a project that provides a real-world connection from the project to authentic situations that may happen outside of school. The anchor provides a compelling reason for students to want to become involved in the project.
Task
A task narrows and focuses project work by providing a specific item to complete. At the beginning of the project, students need to understand the type of project outcomes the teacher expects. This task is often created by the teacher, hwoever, advanced students may also help to design the task.
Directions
A direction shows students where they need to go, but directions give students more guidance on how to get there. Directions help students to know what to do to stay on task and make progress on their project.
Student Choices
Though project-based learning will include a task and directions, it's important that these are not so detailed that there can be no student choice in the matter. The teacher must permit student choices in project-based learning.
Student inquiry
The student-centered nature of project-based learning means that students are involved in inquiry processess. Student inquiry means that students themselves are finding and evaluating information to help them complete a project.
Collaboration and teamwork
Students learn a variety of leadership skills by assigning and following up on responsibilities, seeking information, making a plan of action and doing other group activities. Students may also have separate roles in which they must work to complete a project.
Teacher coaching and feedback
The teacher provides coaching and feedback to students during the project and evaluates students' projects when they are completed. Teacher coach students by showing or telling them how to improve what they are doing or how to better follow directions and meet project requirements.
Info
Student reflection
Reflection is an important elements of project-based learning. Students should reflect both as groups and as individuals. Students reflect at many different points in the project-based learning process.
public presentation
Project-based learning often results in authentifc and useful products that represent the students' knowledge. Presenting these products to a wide audience is a great way to showcase stduents work.