Project-Based and Problem-Based Learning

What is It?

Project-based learning is an instructional strategy in which students work cooperatively over time to create a product, presentation, or performance. The two essential components of project-based learning are an engaging and motivating question and a product that meaningfully addresses that question.

Important characteristics of project-based learning, according to the International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE), include the following:

Students can shape the project to fit their own interests and abilities.
Students collect and analyze information, make discoveries, and report their results.
Students conduct research using multiple sources of information.
The project cuts across a number of disciplines.
Students must draw on a broad range of knowledge and skills.
The project extends over a significant period of time.
The project involves the design and development of a product, presentation, or performance that can be used or viewed by others.
The context for the subject matter is larger than the immediate lesson.
The instruction and facilitation is guided by a broad range of teaching goals.
Problem-based learning is an instructional strategy in which students work cooperatively to investigate and resolve an ill-structured problem based on real-world issues or situations. The steps involved in problem-based learning include:

determining what the problem is;
creating a specific statement of the problem;
identifying the information needed;
identifying the resources to be used to find that information;
developing a possible solution;
analyzing and refining the solution;
presenting the final solution, orally and/or in writing.
Project-based learning and problem-based learning have a great deal in common. Both

involve realistic problems and situations.
are based on authentic educational goals.
include formative and summative evaluation,
are learner centered and teacher facilitated.
are intrinsically engaging and motivating.
are frequently multidisciplinary.
Improve students' research and problem-solving skills, as well as their ability to work cooperatively with their peers.
The difference between the two lies largely in their application: Problem-based learning focuses on the problem and the process, while project-based learning focuses on the product.

Explore Project-Based Learning

For more information about project based-learning, explore the following Web sites:

Project-Based Learning Space: Background Knowledge and Theory
PBL Workshop or Short Course

Explore Problem-Based Learning

For more information about problem-based learning, explore these Web sites:

Problem-Based Learning
What is Problem-Based Learning?

Use Project-Based Learning

The activities and tools below will help you successfully use project-based learning in your own classroom.

A Project-Based Learning Activity About Project-Based Learning
Project-Based Learning Activities for Kids

Project-Based Learning Space: Five Classroom Projects
Global Schoolhouse Internet Projects Registry
FedToday
Tools for Teachers

Find planning forms, rubrics and checklists at the Buck Institute for Education's project-based learning site.

Use Problem-Based Learning

The activities below will help you successfully use problem-based learning in your own classroom.

Problem-Based Learning Activities for Kids

Exploring the Environment
Journey North

Learn More About Project-Based Learning

To extend your understanding of project-based learning, visit:

Harnessing the Web: Online Project-Based Learning

Learn More About Problem-Based Learning

To extend your understanding of problem-based learning, visit:

Problem-Based Learning Network

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