What is Project-Based Learning?

Project-based learning is an amazing way to engage students in ways reading and lecturing cannot. If you’re trying to figure out what project-based learning is and how to fit it into your lesson plan, you’ve come to the right place.

In the article below, you’ll learn about what project-based learning is and how it can benefit your students. We’ll also provide you with some great examples and resources to help you implement this learning strategy in your classroom.

Project-based learning (abbreviated as PBL) is a teaching strategy that helps students learn concepts and information by completing projects. These projects often address things students may need to deal with in the real world, helping them see the real-life application of their learning.

Classroom projects are not all project-based learning, though. While students learn through conducting research and completing assignments, project-based learning is a bit more focused than other class “projects.” Instead of learning through reading or lecture, students engaged in project-based learning learn by doing.

Most PBL models focus on a single, open-ended question or challenge. This might be a problem students are asked to solve, such as how to drop an egg from ten feet without it breaking. Students will have to use their knowledge of physics and their troubleshooting skills to come up with a viable solution.

This stimulates the student’s curiosity and pushes them to come up with solutions. Instead of only memorizing information, students learn how to apply the information they’ve learned. Since there are hundreds of ways to solve a problem, PBL allows students to choose their own path toward a solution. This is great for students who are otherwise disengaged.

Benefits of Project-Based Learning

Project-based learning has many great benefits for your students. The following are four improtant ways PBL can benefit your students.

PBL encourages students to collaborate with other students.

Whether the project they’re working on is a group project or not, students will be encouraged to work with each other to find a solution. They’ll learn how to discuss potential solutions and resolve conflicts, a skill they’ll need for their future careers.

This is also helpful for students who might otherwise be reserved or withdrawn. While they might not prefer group projects, it’s an opportunity to draw them out and help them form bonds with their classmates.

PBL helps students apply their creativity to classroom learning.

While some students thrive in the traditional reading and writing methodology of classroom learning, not all students learn this way. When using PBL, students are encouraged to apply their creative thinking to a problem.

PBL forces students to improve their problem-solving and critical thinking skills.

When students try and fail, they have the opportunity to learn new ways of doing things. Thomas Edison famously said, “I have not failed. I’ve just found 10,000 ways that won’t work.” Students can follow in Edison’s footsteps by learning that “failure” is part of the process.

Critical thinking skills are important for students to learn but difficult for educators to teach. PBL helps students think through difficult problems and come up with creative solutions. Regularly engaging in PBL helps students develop better critical thinking and problem-solving skills.

PBL gives students self-confidence.

Students have to find their own solutions during PBL projects. When they find those solutions, it can help them build self-confidence. That self-confidence will carry them throughout their education and into their working years. Empowered students are more likely to take opportunities that arise, pushing them to higher levels of achievement.

Examples of Project-Based Learning

Project-based learning can be applied to any subject. To help you see the possibilities for PBL in your classroom, we’ve provided some ideas for different classroom subjects.

Math

Math is used in a lot of everyday situations. While a significant amount of time will be spent teaching concepts and solving problems, PBL projects are a great way to help students see why they’re learning about math.

For example, you can have your students create a budget based on the average income for their chosen careers. This helps students research careers and understand the affordability of housing and transportation. There’s a lot of math that they’ll need to apply to make sure their budget balances.

SCIENCE

Science is perhaps the easiest subject for PBL projects. Whether your students are learning to grow their own food or learning to make their own clocks, PBL helps them apply science and the scientific method.

HISTORY AND GOVERNMENT

While a significant portion of these subjects will be tied to book learning, there are great ways for students to enjoy project-based learning. For example, students in a government course may be asked to write a letter to a member of Congress. Encourage them to research problems in the community and offer viable solutions to these problems.

ENGLISH

A significant part of K-12 English education requires reading certain books with literary value. English teachers can help students write book reviews to post on Amazon or through a review site like Goodreads. This encourages students to identify the necessary information needed for a review while encouraging them to reflect on their reading.

Resources That Will Help You Get Started

The ideas listed above are just the tip of the iceberg. There are countless ways for you to integrate project-based learning into your lesson plans. If you’re looking for further resources to help you get started, you can use these two resources:

PBL Works: This page has a lot of great resources for teachers, including free downloadable guides to help you get started.

Edutopia PBL Resources: This page on Edutopia has a great list of resources for teachers who want to use PBL in the classroom. They’ve compiled a list of the best resources from around the Internet.

Conclusion

Project-based learning is a great way to keep your class interested and engaged. Students will benefit by developing important interpersonal and problem-solving skills. Regardless of which topic you teach, there are plenty of PBL ideas you can use to increase learning and engagement.

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