Implementation of a project base depends upon organizing a project around an open-ended question or challenge. Importantly, the question or challenge should be one that requires students to engage in ongoing work and research, as there is not a simple answer or solution to the problem. Typically, projects are based on real-life issues or skills, so that students develop the practical knowledge and skills to succeed beyond the classroom.
Project bases are implemented by a teacher organizing multidisciplinary assignments and activities and then facilitating, rather than directly and actively supervising, students as they engage in work. The teacher will arrange groups or teams of students and meet with groups periodically to check progress and to provide feedback. However, the teacher will refrain from directing the trajectory of the project. In PBL, children work collaboratively to learn together.
A project base is implemented by allowing students to pick an aspect of the project. Importantly, PBL is intended to engage students more actively in their own learning. To achieve this, it is necessary that projects or at least aspects of projects appeal to students' interests and abilities. For instance, students may be encouraged to create a timeline or chronological history. However, the instructor may allow students to choose the concept or phenomenon that they chronicle. While one student organizes a family tree, another student may trace the development of an invention or form or art.
Although open-ended, a project base has to have a standards-based focus. Specifically, a teacher may set standards for the depth of research required. Alternatively, a teacher may require students to consult diverse media and reference tools for the project. While standards in a project base may be more relaxed than traditional classroom assignments, they are still necessary to ensure that learning is taking place.