What is Project Based Learning?

In Project Based Learning (PBL), students go through an extended process of inquiry in response to a complex question, problem, or challenge. While allowing for some degree of student "voice and choice," rigorous projects are carefully planned, managed, and assessed to help students learn key academic content, practice 21st Century Skills (such as collaboration, communication & critical thinking), and create high-quality, authentic products & presentations. (Buck Institute for Education)

Why use PBL?

Students gain a deeper understanding of the concepts and standards at the heart of a project. Projects also build vital workplace skills and lifelong habits of learning. Projects can allow students to address community issues, explore careers, interact with adult mentors, use technology, and present their work to audiences beyond the classroom. PBL can motivate students who might otherwise find school boring or meaningless. (Buck Institute for Education)

To best get an idea of what this approach is like, please view the following links:

http://www.edutopia.org/project-based-learning-introduction-video

Project based learning example with young children

More ideas about learning at its best:

See what expert, Howard Gardner, has to say about learning.  This interview has many powerful ideas and represents a lot of what we believe about learning.
http://www.edutopia.org/multiple-intelligences-howard-gardner-video#graph2

What are other countries doing to produce high achieving students?  How is project based learning involved?
http://www.edutopia.org/international-teaching-learning-assessment-video