Project-Based Learning

Project-based learning is a dynamic classroom approach in which students actively explore real-world problems and challenges and acquire a deeper knowledge.

Overview

What is Project-Based Learning?

Project-based learning is a dynamic approach to teaching in which students explore real-world problems and challenges. With this type of active and engaged learning, students are inspired to obtain a deeper knowledge of the subjects they're studying. Watch an introduction video.

History

What's the History of PBL?

Confucius and Aristotle were early proponents of learning by doing. Socrates modeled how to learn through questioning, inquiry, and critical thinking -- all strategies that remain very relevant in today's PBL classrooms. Learn more.

Experts

What the Experts Say

"One of the major advantages of project work is that it makes school more like real life." --Sylvia Chard, University of Alberta See what other experts say.

Research

Research: Studies on PBL Success

Did you know PBL students remember learned content for longer periods of time? Did you know PBL students view themselves as better prepared in problem solving and perform better in tasks that emphasize understanding and application of knowledge? Dig deeper.

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An Example of PBL in Early Elementary: How I Started

Last comment 2 weeks 13 hours ago

5 259 25,414 views

Starting a Pilot Program in Our School

Last comment 2 days 3 hours ago

8 2 334 views

Help! Need PBL Ideas for Science Units

Last comment 2 weeks 4 days ago

Starting a Pilot Program in Our School

Fri, 01/30/2015 - 08:58

8 2 334 views

Fostering Confident Problem Solvers

Thu, 06/15/2017 - 06:00

6 279 443 views

New Study Shows the Impact of PBL on Student Achievement

Tue, 06/20/2017 - 07:30

19 4,394 22,858 views

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Project-Based Learning Videos See More Videos

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A collage of four photos of students and staff at Iowa BIG High School around campus

Article

Partnership Strategies for Real-World Projects

Students gain by taking on interdisciplinary projects with community nonprofits, businesses, and government agencies.

452 2,383 views

Illustration of a clock taking off like a rocket, with pens, paper, a tablet computer, and other items in a cloud above it

Article

Standards-Aligned Genius Hour

Give your students a chance to follow their own interests with projects that meet state standards.

9 1,402 7,831 views

Project-Based Learning: Raising Student Achievement for All Learners

Article

Projects That Have Been Put to the Test

A team of researchers created and tested four social studies units that improved achievement among students in high-poverty schools. See how they did it—and download their curriculum.

2 297 7,589 views

Children smile as one of their peers makes a presentation.

Article

New Study Shows the Impact of PBL on Student Achievement

Researchers in Michigan show that project-based learning in high-poverty communities can produce statistically significant gains in social studies and informational reading.

19 4,394 22,858 views

A teacher discusses a project with a small group of students.

Article

Fostering Confident Problem Solvers

How one teacher uses project-based learning to empower her students to see themselves as agents of change in society.

6 279 443 views

Article

A Giant Maker Project

K–12 students design and build 10-foot-tall puppets for a production of The BFG, and learn collaboration, engineering, and design thinking in the process.

451 307 views

A group of people work on an electrical project at an outdoor picnic table.

Article

Open-Source Learning in Action

Using community mentors and project-based learning, this rural high school is opening up opportunities for its students.

4 259 327 views

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Article

Twenty Ideas for Engaging Projects

Blogger Suzie Boss shares 20 ideas for getting engaging projects going in your classroom.

20 730 518,428 views

Article

3 Ways to Plan for Diverse Learners: What Teachers Do

Teachers aiming to differentiate learning in their classroom can focus on content, process, and product in giving students opportunities to grow and shine as individuals.

57 3,160 360,864 views

An young girl with rainbow-knitted headphones is sitting at a table with her female teacher. They're both looking at a long, thin sheet of paper, and the young girl is holding the tip of the pencil against the paper, pointing at something.

Article

6 Strategies for Differentiated Instruction in Project-Based Learning

Blogger Andrew Miller offers six simple, effective approaches to differentiated instruction in project-based learning.

19 6,886 242,199 views

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Ten Steps to Better Student Engagement

Project-learning teaching strategies can also improve your everyday classroom experience.

82 896 235,527 views

article

Core Strategies for Innovation and Reform in Learning

See an overview of Edutopia's core strategies, including project-based learning, social-emotional learning, comprehensive assessment, technology integration, integrated studies and teacher development.

10 279 231,355 views

Article

Designing Science Inquiry: Claim + Evidence + Reasoning = Explanation

Edutopia blogger Eric Brunsell breaks scientific inquiry down into the basic CER model and offers suggestions for introducing it to students.

4 70 212,687 views

Article

Project-Based Learning vs. Problem-Based Learning vs. X-BL

John Larmer of the Buck Institute for Education clears up any confusion on the difference between project-based learning, problem-based learning, and whatever-else-based learning.

30 5,788 173,513 views

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Girls testing wing strength using plywood

Article

Project-Based Learning Professional Development Guide

An overview of the Edutopia professional development guide for teaching how to use project-based learning in the classroom.

15 214 78,233 views

Classroom Guide: Top Ten Tips for Assessing Project-Based Learning

This guide will inspire and expand your thinking about effective assessment for project-based learning. Tips are organized to follow the arc of a project: planning, launch into active learning, and then a culminating presentation. Reflection is the final...

3 3,455 102,557 views

Article

Project Learning: Model Schools with Solutions

Project learning encourages students to explore real-world challenges while developing cross-curriculum skills in small collaborative groups. Edutopia has visited many schools that have implemented project-based learning programs -- here are some of the best...

1 2 2,990 views

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Project-Based Learning

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