Project Based Learning

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Engage EUSD 23-24 (Published)

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Blended Learning

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Gold Standard PBL: Seven Essential Project Design Elements from PBLworks.org

What is Project Based Learning?

PBL is a teaching method in which students gain knowledge and skills by working for an extended period of time to investigate and respond to an authentic, engaging and complex question, problem, or challenge.

(Definition from PBLworks.org)

Why is PBL effective?

"PBL blends content mastery, meaningful work, and personal connection to create powerful learning experiences, in terms of both academic achievement and students’ personal growth." (Source: PBLworks.org)

According to PBLworks.org, the following are ways students are impacted:

Engaged hearts and minds as projects connect to their personal lives and/or their community
Deeper learning and greater retention of knowledge
Exposure to a wide range of careers allowing students to develop possible career interest
Sense of purpose to learning and real world impact
Development of life-long success skills (collaboration, problem solving, communication, project management)
Rewarding teacher relationships develop
Creativity and integrated use of technology

What does the research say?

Academic Achievement

Students learning through PBL retain content longer and have a deeper understanding of what they are learning.

(Penuel & Means, 2000; Stepien, Gallagher & Workman, 1993)

21st Century Comeptencies

Students demonstrate better problem-solving skills in PBL than in more traditional classes and are able to apply what they learn to real-life situations.

(Finkelstein et al., 2010)

Equity

PBL shows promise as a strategy for closing the achievement gap by engaging lower-achieving students.

(Boaler, 2002; Penuel & Means, 2000)

Motivation

In PBL classrooms, students demonstrate improved attitudes toward learning. They exhibit more engagement, are more self-reliant, and have better attendance than in more traditional settings.

(Thomas, 2000; Walker & Leary, 2009)

For more information or support contact

Kathleen Matkowski, PBL and Blended Learning TOSA

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