II. 3. Key elements of PBL

The key elements of PBL are as follows:

Key knowledge, understanding, and skills: PBL is focused on student learning goals, including standards-based content and skills such as critical thinking, problem solving, collaboration, self-management etc. (For further details see Unit III.)
Challenging problem/task or question: PBL is framed by a meaningful problem/task to solve or a question to find an answer to, at the appropriate level of challenge.
Sustained inquiry: students engage in a rigorous, extended process of asking questions, finding resources, and applying information.
Student-oriented activities: students make some decisions about the project, including how to work and what to create.
Authenticity: PBL features real-world context, tasks and tools, quality standards, or impact or speaks to students’ personal concerns, interest, and issues in their lives.
Reflection: Students and teachers reflect on learning, the effectiveness of their inquiry and project activities, the quality of student work, obstacles and how to overcome them.
Critique and revision: Students give, receive, and use feedback to improve their process and products.
Public Product: Students make their project work public by expanding, displaying or presenting it to people before and beyond the classroom.

Finally let us summarize the characteristics of a good project: