Ready To Try Project-Based Learning in Your Classroom?

One of the easiest ways to get your students learning is to keep them interested and engaged in the lessons. But lecture-style learning, rote memorization, or a lack of background knowledge and understanding of the topics may have the opposite effect.

Project-based learning can transform your classroom into a vibrant setting where students are excited to learn. Today, we’re looking at what project-based learning really is, how it can benefit your students’ instructional experience, and what makes it different from traditional instruction methods.

• What is project-based learning (PBL)?
• Why should you use PBL in your classroom?
• Project-based learning vs. traditional instruction: What’s the difference?
• Project-based learning FAQs

[What is project-based learning (PBL)?](id-what)

Project-based learning (PBL) is a student-centered teaching method that encourages learning by actively engaging students in real-world and personally meaningful projects over an extended period of time. These lessons allow students to explore, create, and solve open-ended problems or challenges.

The goal of a PBL lesson is to engage students with a question or challenge that requires them to apply problem-solving skills and gain a deeper understanding of the topic.

How to spot a PBL lesson

How will you know a project-based learning lesson when you see it? See if it checks these boxes:

• Does it include an appropriately complex, open-ended question or challenge that invites students to do deep research and find original solutions?
• Does it stimulate curiosity and require students to use inquiry-based processes where they gain new knowledge and skills while building on prior understandings?
• Do students have a choice in what they explore and autonomy in what they create and the processes they use?
• Are there iterative components where students create, execute, review results, and reflect on improvement?
• Is feedback provided throughout the project, not just at the end?
• Do students present their problem, research process, methods, and results to a real audience outside of the classroom, such as parents or community members?

[Why should you use PBL in your classroom?](id-why)

Project-based learning can significantly increase student engagement and motivation in the classroom because it makes learning relevant, student-driven, and also more fun. Students can better understand abstract concepts when they have real-world applications. This can help with knowledge retention, fostering curiosity, and promoting autonomy. 

Other benefits of incorporating PBL into your classroom include:

• Building critical thinking skills: PBL encourages students to analyze information, identify issues, and develop creative solutions.
• Fostering collaboration and communication: Working in groups or teams encourages students to practice effective communication, teamwork, leadership, and conflict resolution.
• Boosting creativity: PBL encourages students to think differently and think outside the box to generate new and unique ideas.
• Increasing responsibility: In PBL models, students take the initiative, manage their time effectively, and assume ownership of their learning.
• Supporting differentiation: PBL supports learners with differing abilities, including English language learners (ELLs). It provides multiple pathways for engagement and caters to various learning styles.
• Hands-on exploration: PBL allows students to roll up their sleeves through designing experiments, using tools, building prototypes, and exploring physical spaces.

[Project-based learning vs. traditional instruction: What’s the difference?](id-vs)

The project-based learning model may be a shift from the typical classroom lessons you deliver. In these lessons, the project and process lead instruction, while the curriculum supports specific points throughout the project to add knowledge and learning opportunities for building and exploration.

This contrasts with the traditional model, where the curriculum is predetermined and taught first, and then may include activities or assessments that allow students to apply what they have learned.

With PBL, students also become active learners. They participate in hands-on activities and take ownership of their education. Traditional learning is typically more passive. Students listen as their teachers lecture, watch presentations, or complete worksheets or other hands-off assignments more frequently than working on projects.

Another difference between these types of learning is that PBL emphasizes solving real-world problems and applying critical thinking skills. Some activities in traditional learning may also do this, but the focus is typically on memorization and knowledge reproduction.

Finally, the assessments in PBL and traditional learning are fundamentally different. In PBL, the assessment is also the project. You evaluate how well students apply the content they’ve learned and develop their skills. It’s not about getting things right or wrong; it’s focused on application and growth. Rubrics, self-assessment, and peer assessment are the most common methods for measuring PBL progress.

In contrast, traditional learning often relies on quizzes, tests, or exams. Students earn scores based on how many questions they get right and how much content they can remember, not what they can do with it.

[Project-based learning FAQs](id-faq)

Do you still have questions about what PBL is or how to implement it? We have answers!

Is PBL only for science or STEM lessons?

Project-based learning is adaptable to any grade level and subject area. While science and STEM lessons typically cover topics that lend themselves to a PBL lesson, that doesn’t mean you can’t use the learning model in other subjects. Here are a few ideas to help you think about how to use PBL across subjects and age groups:

• Early elementary social studies (K-2): How can we solve a common issue in our community, like littering or a lack of public gathering spaces?
• Upper elementary health or PE (3-5): How can we convince people in our school community to eat healthier meals?
• Middle school ELA (6-8): How can we create a classroom or school newspaper to share important information with other students?
• High school media arts (9-12): How can we develop an anti-bullying program or message that other students will actually listen to?

How can I measure if my students are actually learning in a PBL model?

Project-based learning assessments often look different from traditional assessments. With PBL, you monitor students’ progress continuously and comprehensively with formative assessments like observations, reflections, and checkpoints. Most projects also have summative assessments, like turning in a physical object or giving a presentation.

Project-based learning can also provide some benefits for students when they take traditional summative exams. For example, a study by Lucas Education Research found that students who did PBL activities performed better on AP tests than students who studied using traditional methods.

This is likely because project-based learning prepares students to think critically and apply knowledge, which supports test performance across measured skills and subject areas.

What are some examples of PBL lessons I can use with my students?

Need ideas to get started with your first project-based learning lesson? Try:

• Model bridge construction: Have students apply physics and math principles to designing, building, and testing a model bridge.
• Robotics: Have students design and develop robots to meet a need or solve a problem.
• 3D printing: Students can plan, design, and print physical objects with this technology.
• Podcast production: Students can research, script, record, and publish a podcast on a chosen topic to develop research and communication skills.
• Mock trial: Students can act as lawyers and witnesses in a simulated court case, which engages critical thinking, problem-solving, and persuasive argument skills.
• Invention pitch: Students can develop and pitch a new business idea by conducting market research, testing products, and delivering public presentations.
• Create your own website or app: Students can design a website or app to solve a problem or market their invention. 

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Try it: Science Changemakers

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Embrace the future of education with project-based learning

PBL represents a fundamental shift in the way we approach education. Moving beyond memorization and fact collection, we can help students step into active learning, become more inquiry-driven, and rely on collaborative learning. 

By equipping students with the critical thinking and adaptability skills they need to thrive in the world, we can prepare them for higher education, careers, and all aspects of life beyond the classroom.