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
Watch as students in this third-grade classroom learn math and ELA skills through an authentic project designing tiny houses for local community member clients. Students create layouts and paper models of the house, a budget sheet, a written paragraph explaining how their proposal meets the needs of their client, and make a presentation to their client.
Design It into Your Product
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
Students activate more cognitive processes by exploring and representing their understandings in visual form.
Analyzing incorrect worked examples is especially beneficial for helping students develop a conceptual understanding of mathematical processes.
When students explain their thinking process aloud with guidance in response to questions or prompts, they recognize the strategies they use and solidify their understanding.
Math games allow students to practice many math skills in a fun, applied context.
Response devices boost engagement by encouraging all students to answer every question.
When students create their own number and word problems, they connect math concepts to their background knowledge and lived experiences.
Analyzing and discussing solved problems helps students develop a deeper understanding of abstract mathematical processes.
