Project Based Learning (PBL) is a teaching approach in which students work on a project for an extended period of time. Students spend time investigating and responding to authentic and engaging real world problems. Throughout the process, students gain content knowledge, creativity, collaboration, communication and critical thinking skills and produce a product or presentation for a real audience.
Project Based Learning is an effective instructional strategy because the learning is relevant and meaningful to students. Students are not only introduced to content information, but rather engaged in the learning process and the content is no longer a collection for random facts. Students learn to apply new information and skills to solve problems giving more meaning to their learning.
In a Problem Based Learning the teacher's traditional role changes. The teacher is no longer the source of all knowledge in the classroom, but instead serves as as a coach or facilitator.
For more information about PBL visit the PBL Works website.
"The Tiny House" project features teacher Cheryl Bautista of Katherine Smith Elementary School, San Jose, CA and her third graders.
The “Financial Planning ” project features Telannia Norfar and her high school math class at Northwest Classen High School, Oklahoma City, OK.
To learn more about the Seven Essential Project Design Elements click here.
To learn more about the Seven Essential Project Design Elements click here.