Tally, Tara2015-04-272015-04-2720152015-04-27http://hdl.handle.net/1828/6014Project based learning (PBL) is an effective teaching methodology for instilling 21st century competencies in today’s students. This paper does a thorough exploration of the literature on the positive outcomes and the challenges associated with implementing PBL in today’s classrooms. Using findings from the literature it goes on to address the issue of lack of student preparation for PBL. After identifying five essential skills for PBL, a rubric was developed to assist teachers in assessing student skill level in each of the areas. Through the use of the rubric teachers are better able to provide the appropriate scaffolds needed to help ensure skill development and students success in PBL.enAvailable to the World Wide WebPBLproject based learningscaffoldingessential skillsrubricproject