Project-based Learning
Overview
Project-based learning (PBL) actively engages learners in authentic tasks designed to create products that answer a given question or solve a problem. When educators act as facilitators and promote projects that are relevant to students as a part of the curriculum, students have agency over their learning, promoting self-efficacy and Motivation through this experiential learning. Working collaboratively on multimodal or cross-disciplinary projects as leaders and team-members can provide opportunities to build on individuals' experiences and strengths. It also can develop learners' collaboration, problem solving, critical thinking, and communication skills while fostering a Sense of Belonging. Educators should recognize that not all students have had previous experience with student-driven learning and may need additional support, including opportunities to participate successfully, and ample time to review materials and make decisions.
Example: Use This Strategy in the Classroom
See how well-designed project-based learning (PBL) can result in deeper learning and more engaged, self-directed learners. This video highlights five core elements of successful PBL including real-world connections, academic rigor, structured collaboration, student-driven, and multifaceted assessment.
Design It into Your Product
References Project-Based Learning
Almulla, M.A. (2020). The effectiveness of the project-based learning approach (PBL) approach as a way to engage students in learning. Sage Open,10(3), 1-15.
Beem, H. R. (2021, July). Exploring the Role of Project-based Learning in Building Self-efficacy in First-year African Engineering Students. In 2021 ASEE Virtual Annual Conference Content Access.
Belland, B. R., Glazewski, K. D., & Ertmer, P. A. (2009). Inclusion and problem-based learning: Roles of students in a mixed-ability group. RMLE online, 32(9), 1-19.
Condliffe, B. (2017). Project-Based learning: A literature review. Working Paper. MDRC.
Creghan, C., & Adair-Creghan, K. (2015). The positive impact of project-based learning on attendance of an economically disadvantaged student population: A multiyear study. Interdisciplinary Journal of Problem-Based Learning, 9(2), 7.
Culclasure, B. T., Longest, K. C., & Terry, T. M. (2019). Project-based learning (Pjbl) in three southeastern public schools: Academic, behavioral, and social-emotional outcomes. Interdisciplinary Journal of Problem-Based Learning, 13(2), 5.
Duke, N.K., Halvorsen, A., Strachan, S.L, Kim. J., & Konstantopoulos, S. (2021). Putting PjBL to the test: The impact of project-based learning on second graders' social studies and literacy learning in low-SES school settings. American Educational Research Journal, 58(1), 160-200.
Eldiva, F. T., & Azizah, N. (2019, April). Project Based Learning in Improving Critical Thinking Skill of Children with Special Needs. In International Conference on Special and Inclusive Education (ICSIE 2018) (pp. 348-355). Atlantis Press.
Hendriani, A., Herlambang, Y. T., & Setiawan, D. (2020). Effectiveness of project-based learning models in improving the metacognition ability of elementary school students. PalArch's Journal of Archaeology of Egypt/Egyptology, 17(8), 665-679.
Liu, M., & Hsiao, Y. P. (2002). Middle school students as multimedia designers: A project-based learning approach. Journal of interactive learning research, 13(4), 311-337.
Reid-Griffin, A., Sterrett, W., & Stanback, A. (2020). Project-Based Learning (PjBL): Providing a community of engagement for middle school learners. Journal of Classroom Interaction, 55(1), 4-25.
Scogin, S.C., Kruger, C.J., Jekkals, R.E., & Steinfeldt, C. (2017). Learning by experience in a standardized testing culture: Investigation of a middle school experiential learning program. Journal of Experiential Education, 40(1), 39-57.
Additional Resources
Additional examples, research, and professional development. These resources are possible representations of this strategy, not endorsements.
Factors Supported by this Strategy
More Active Learning Strategies
Physically acting out a text or enacting major themes from texts enhances reading comprehension, particularly as texts become more complex.
For adolescent learners, the Composition process can become more robust, as learners begin to express ideas through multiple media, which includes visual, audio, and digital production.
When students express information visually, they are activating more cognitive processes while problem solving and increasing their experience with alternate texts.
When preparing for and debating with peers, students analyze, form, and express verbal arguments, fostering their critical thinking and literacy skills.
During reading, giving students the opportunity to explain their thinking process aloud allows them to recognize the strategies they use, solidify their comprehension, and move knowledge into their Long-term Memory.
Visiting places connected to classroom learning provides opportunities to deepen understanding through firsthand experiences.
Games help students practice their literacy skills in a fun, applied context.
When students write from a non-dominant or marginalized perspective, they consider and give voice to points of view that are often missing.
Response devices boost engagement by encouraging all students to answer every question.
