PBL is a little different from how I traditionally used formative assessments in a math classroom to check for understanding in individuals as they worked through a new concept. I think especially when the project is taking place in a group setting, I need to know not only how the whole group is doing, but how each person is contributing, what are they learning, what skills are they applying, etc. I have had kids do a journal to track individual progress and reflections, pose a question and have them give a short 1 to 2 sentence response, and even rate… >>>

I agree that it is important for students to see the connection between the program, their school, community, and beyond. Sometimes it is hard for students to understand how all of those thinks are linked together, and how important it will be in their future, both short and long term.