Project Based Learning (PBL)

What is Project Based Learning?

In Project Based Learning, teachers make learning come alive for students.

Students work on a project over an extended period of time – from a week up to a semester – that engages them in solving a real-world problem or answering a complex question. They demonstrate their knowledge and skills by creating a public product or presentation for a real audience.

As a result, students develop deep content knowledge as well as critical thinking, collaboration, creativity, and communication skills. Project Based Learning unleashes a contagious, creative energy among students and teachers.

And in case you were looking for a more formal definition...

Project Based Learning 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.

https://www.pblworks.org/

Projects vs. PBL - What's the Difference?

Edutopia gives a more in depth look into what Project Based Learning is and what it comprises, showing the differences between PBL , and what we may traditionally consider as group or project work.

PBL | Sharing Good Practice

PBL @DSFC

The slideshow has a number of examples of PBL projects delivered at Durham Sixth Form Centre, across the STM Faculty.

Below are three example projects in schools, delivered by teachers in different environments. This work has been documented by PBLWorks in collaboration with The Buck Institute.

'The Tiny House Project'

Cheryl Bautista of Katherine Smith Elementary School, San Jose, CA supports students to develop small, environmentally friendly housing for a city with a housing crisis.

'March Through Nashville'

How can the history of the Civil Rights Movement be preserved using digital media? This is the driving question Kimberly Head-Trotter of McKissack Middle School, in Nashville, TN, posed her History students.

'The Water Quality Project'

A project by teacher Rayhan Ahmed at Leaders High School in Brooklyn, NY, with his chemistry class, looking into environmental racism and how to turn the tide in Flint, Michigan.

'Gold Standard' Project Based Learning

Project Design

These are the 'gold standards' for PBL project design and can serve as a guide while planning.

Teaching Practices in PBL

These are the 'gold standards' for PBL teaching and learning strategies and are applicable to both A Level and BTEC.

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