Project-Based Learning

Project-based learning (PBL) is a curricular and instructional design that challenges students to learn through engagement in an authentic, engaging and complex question, problem or challenge. PBL is a format that simultaneously develops critical-thinking skills, creativity, civic and global engagement, content knowledge, communication, collaboration and self-direction. The teacher’s role is to facilitate learning by supporting, guiding and monitoring the learning process.

Project-based learning (PBL) is work conducted by students over a period of time to solve real-world problems or answer complex questions. Through PBL projects, students not only gain content knowledge from core classes but also develop skills to thrive. These skills, although developed over a lifetime, enable students to make connections between school, home and the world at large.

The essence of PBL is to help students make connections between what they already know, what they learn in school and what they might do outside the classroom setting. Teachers who use this instructional approach act as a guide or facilitator while students think critically about what they know, need to know and how to acquire knowledge on the topic to fulfill the task.