Equity
Finding: Although students are engaged in PBL, they need support and guidance especially when new to PBL. Projects need to be carefully constructed with an eye to the requisite skills and knowledge students will need to have to able to complete the project successfully.
- PBL shows promise as a strategy for closing the achievement gap by engaging lowerachieving students. (Boaler, 2002; Penuel & Means, 2000)
- PBL can work in different types of schools, serving diverse learners. (Hixson, Ravitz, & Whisman, 2012)
- PBL also can provide an effective model for whole-school reform. (National Clearinghouse for Comprehensive School Reform, 2004; Newmann & Wehlage, 1995; Ravitz, 2008)