A Project-Based Learning Primer

Adapted from A Review of Research on Project-Based Learning, Thomas, J.W. (2000).

What is Project Based Learning?

Project-Based Learning is neither a new idea, nor a single “universally accepted theory or model.” Generally, PBL can be characterized as “…[A] model that organizes learning around projects” (p. 1). These projects have the following components:

• Complex task(s) based on challenging questions or problems – the project “makes connections between activities and underlying conceptual knowledge” (as cited in Barron, Schwartz, Vye, Moore, Petrosino, Zech, Bransford & The Congition and Technology Group at Vanderbuilt, 1998, p. 274). A project built around thematic units or intersections of topics from different disciplines is not necessarily a PBL project (p. 3).
• Authentic content -- Students are active participants and teachers, while teachers are facilitators of learning. Student involvement in design, problem-solving, decision making, and / or investigative activities – the central activities of the project must involve the transformation and construction of knowledge on the part of students (p. 3).
• Student involvement in design, problem-solving, decision making, and / or investigative activities – the central activities of the project must involve the transformation and construction of knowledge on the part of students (p. 3).
• Student autonomy / student driven direction – PBL projects do not end up at a predetermined outcome or take predetermined paths (p. 4)
• Authentic assessment -- Students apply knowledge in real-life situations; demonstration of skills must be more than recall and traditional assessment methods.
• Realistic culminating final projects / presentations
• Integration of technology as a cognitive tool

What’s the difference between a traditional application project and a PBL project? Application projects follow “traditional instruction to provide illustration, examples, additional practice or practical applications of material taught by other means” (p. 3).

“PBL projects are the curriculum. …[T]he project is the central teaching strategy (p. 3).”

Source

Thomas, J.W. (2000).

A review of research on project-based learning. Retrieved 20 February 2008, from http://www.bie.org/index.php/site/search/78f7e65a6a35dfffb69dd112e59e2603/

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