It is important for students to become aware of their potential and capabilities in
completing tasks. Project-based learning offers one teaching strategy which not only allows
students to independently set and accomplish goals, but also provides them with an avenue in
which to explore their choices when completing both personal and academic goals. An essential
element for project-based learning is a child’s ability to set goals for him/herself and to become
self-motivated to complete these goals. Middle school students in particular are metacognitively
ready to set goals for themselves by independently monitoring and assessing their own learning
by using a variety of study tools to prepare themselves for tests (Rafoth, 1999, p. 22). A projectbased
learning experience creates a classroom environment that supports the development of
students’ self-regulatory behavior.