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.

DiscussExpand

An Introduction to Project-Based Learning

Last comment 2 weeks 5 days ago

30 576 117,599 views

What the Heck Is Project-Based Learning?

Last comment 2 weeks 6 days ago

45 3,101 110,872 views

Twenty Ideas for Engaging Projects

Last comment 4 days 12 hours ago

20 722 535,175 views

New Study Shows the Impact of PBL on Student Achievement

Tue, 06/20/2017 - 07:30

10 1,136 8,928 views

New Study Shows the Impact of PBL on Student Achievement

Tue, 06/20/2017 - 07:30

10 1,136 8,928 views

Fostering Confident Problem Solvers

Thu, 06/15/2017 - 06:00

4 224 443 views

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Project-Based Learning Videos See More Videos

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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.

2 108 1,867 views

Project-Based Learning: Raising Student Achievement for All Learners

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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.

129 2,504 views

Children smile as one of their peers makes a presentation.

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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.

10 1,136 8,928 views

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

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Fostering Confident Problem Solvers

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

4 224 443 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.

363 307 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.

4 249 327 views

Two girls work together on a science project.

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PBL and STEAM Education: A Natural Fit

Using project-based learning in science, technology, engineering, art, and math classes is a way to solve problems in real-world contexts.

3 380 743 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.

20 722 535,175 views

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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 3,102 331,463 views

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Ten Steps to Better Student Engagement

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

82 896 251,519 views

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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 70 247,801 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.

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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 6,953 220,249 views

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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.

10 279 218,505 views

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A Step-by-Step Guide to the Best Projects

Discover a project-based learning model that motivates students to pursue knowledge and drives academic achievement.

21 2,003 153,975 views

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Girls testing wing strength using plywood

Article