Driving Questions – PBL Works

This webinar from the Buck Institute for Education, hosted by John Elmer and Gina Olaga, is a helpful resource for teachers looking to strengthen their use of driving questions in Project-Based Learning (PBL). It offers practical tips for creating open-ended, engaging questions that spark curiosity, keep students focused, and tie directly to learning goals. The presenters walk through common challenges like writing questions that are too vague or easily answered with a quick Google search and introduce tools like the TU Brick framework to help improve question design. They also break down different types of driving questions, from big-picture debates to real-world scenarios, with examples for different grade levels. With an emphasis on making projects feel relevant and authentic, the webinar encourages teachers to involve student voice, local context, and even role-playing to boost engagement. Overall, it’s a great starting point for any educator wanting to make their PBL units more thoughtful, creative, and connected to the real world.