Project-Based and Problem-Based Learning
Project-Based and Problem-Based Learning
Module 3
Introduction
Introducing projects and problems into the curriculum is not a new or revolutionary idea
in education. During the past decade, however, the practice has evolved into a more
formally defined teaching strategy.
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Project-based learning has gained a greater foothold in the classroom as researchers have
documented what teachers have long understood: Students become more engaged in
learning when they have a chance to dig into complex, challenging, and sometimes even
messy problems that closely resemble real life. Project-based learning goes beyond
generating student interest. Well-designed projects encourage active inquiry and higher-
level thinking (Thomas, 1998). Brain research underscores the value of these learning
activities. Students' abilities to acquire new understanding are enhanced when they are
"connected to meaningful problem-solving activities, and when students are helped to
understand why, when, and how those facts and skills are relevant" (Bransford, Brown, &
Conking, 2000, p. 23).
Don Margetson, quoted in Hildebrand, Mulcahy, & Wilks (2001) concludes that problem-
based learning encourages students to be ‘open minded, reflective, critical’ and to
‘undertake active learning.’ It gives them an opportunity to make what they learn
meaningful and to develop strategies they will be able to use to solve problems in the
future, irrespective of subject matter.
Intended Learning Outcomes
Explain problem-based and project-based learning approaches.
Explain parts of a project-based and problem-based learning plan.
Develop a problem-based and project-based learning plan.
Project-based learning has its origins back in the work of John Dewey and William
Kilpatrick and dates back to 1918 when the term was first used (Edutopia, 2014). Project-
based learning is an instructional approach where students learn by investigating a
complex question, problem or challenge. It promotes active learning, engages students,
and allows for higher order thinking (Savery, 2006). Students explore real-world problems
and find answers through the completion of a project. Students also have some control
over the project they will be working on, how the project will finish, as well as the end
product.
The differences
The difference between problem-based learning and project-based learning is that students
who complete problem-based learning often share the outcomes and jointly set the
learning goals and outcomes with the teacher. On the other hand, project-based learning is
an approach where the goals are set. It is also quite structured in the way that the teaching
occurs.
project-based learning often involves authentic tasks that solve real-world problems while
problem-based learning uses scenarios and cases that are perhaps less related to real life
(Larmer, 2014).
Topic 2
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References
Reference 1
Reference 2