This document discusses the key characteristics of project-oriented learning (POL). It identifies that POL involves organizing learning around an issue or question that builds on students' knowledge and interests. POL uses authentic, real-world contexts for learning. It also emphasizes learner responsibility, with students accessing and managing their own information to design processes for reaching solutions and adapting their thinking. Finally, assessment in POL focuses on final projects and performances, and it encourages collaborative work between students to complete projects.