Monitoring

In Project Based Learning (PBL), a methodology that supports the creation of STEM projects, each phase contributes to building a robust and meaningful learning journey. In this process, the teacher is a key figure, who besides acting as a mediator, also does the monitoring of the stages. 

Monitoring is the continuous follow-up of the learning process, not just the evaluation of the final outcome. The teacher acts as a mediator and facilitator, observing how students investigate problems, test solutions, organize teamwork, and make decisions. 

Monitoring means being close to the groups’ journey, identifying advances, doubts and challenges at each stage. This follow-up does not have to be rigid or bureaucratic: it can happen in a light form, integrated into the classroom routine and is based on conversations, observations and simple daily records.

The idea is to help guide the project journey and strengthen feedback, which starts to be based on real evidence of the process and not only in final deliverables. Guiding questions, quick check conversations and small follow-up milestones are strategies that help keep the process visible and organized.

Some practices can make this guidance more effective: observe the collaboration between students, encourage short moments of reflection on what worked and what needs to be adjusted, and support planning for the next steps. It is also important to monitor different dimensions of learning, such as problem-solving, communication, creativity and autonomy.

Records are important allies in this process and may include logbooks, observation cards, photos, videos, physical or digital portfolios and prototype progress maps. These materials help teachers and students visualize the project’s evolution from the initial idea to the final tests.

In addition to guiding the course, monitoring creates opportunities to support students in the most challenging moments, such as when errors, deadlocks or route changes arise. By closely monitoring project development, the teacher encourages perseverance, reinforces the value of error as part of learning, and stimulates collective solution building in STEM projects.