"Project based learning (PBL) is a teaching in which students learn by actively engaging in real-world and personal projects" (PBL works 2019).
Project based learning in the classroom is compared to the main course of a meal verses the other projects seemingly just serving as the dessert aspect of learning. The dessert project is seen as an add on at the end of a unit. These simple projects focus within the walls of the classroom, they can be completed alone, and simply just follows the directions from the instructor. If you desire the main course or project based learning the requirements are quite different. PBL is the main components of the unit to guide the learning. Students should collaborate to complete these projects as a goal to have real world application. PBL is significantly focused on the learning process to help students understand curriculum to develop successful skills (What is PBL)
Follow this link to test you ability to spot the different between the projects and project based learning:
As an instructor, being able to implement project based learning into the classroom will benefit you students by giving them real-world applicable experience. Thomas (2000) lists five criteria for project based learning which set the foundation for PBL research.
Centrality: PBL projects are central, not peripheral to the curriculum.
Driving Question: PBL projects are focused on questions or problems that “drive” students to encounter (and struggle with) the central concepts and principles of a disci- pline.
Constructive Investigations: Projects involve students in a constructive investigation. An investigation is a goal- directed process that involves inquiry, knowledge build- ing, and resolution.
Autonomy: Projects are student-driven to some significant degree.
Realism: Projects are realistic, not school-like" (as cited in Condliffe B., 2017 p.60)
This five criteria have since been expanded by the Buckley Institute for Education to seven essential project design elements.
These elements can be used in the classroom to guide the instructor and the students as they complete PBL. Project basked learning has shown to impact student achievement (Duke, 2017). The research aligns with the PBL and impact on students in the classroom. Build a better tomorrow when you changing the classroom today.
References
Condliffe, B., Quint J., Visher, M.G., Bangser, M.R., Drohojowska, S., Saco, L., & Nelson, E. (2017 October 12). Project based learning literature review. Working Paper.
Duke, N. K. (2017, June 20). New Study Shows the Impact of PBL on Student Achievement. Retrieved from https://www.edutopia.org/article/new-study-shows-impact-pbl-student-achievement-nell-duke-anne-lise-halvorsen?utm_source=twitter&utm_medium=socialflow.
What is PBL? (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.pblworks.org/what-is-pbl.