Students make decisions, and they have a framework in which to do so. There's a problem without a predetermined solution. Students design the process for reaching a solution. Students are responsible for accessing and managing the information they gather. Evaluation takes place continuously.
Students regularly reflect on what they're doing.
The classroom has an atmosphere that tolerates error and change. Choose what they will work on. Plan their own project. Participate in defining criteria and rubrics to assess their project. Solve problems they encounter while working on their project.