What are the benefits of project-based learning?

Launch PBL Series

EP1: How can we create an impactful PBL experience?

EP2:What is project-based learning?

EP3: What are the benefits of project-based learning?

EP4: How can we write a quality driving question for a PBL unit?

EP5: How can we foster academic risk-taking during PBL?

EP6: How can we assess students during project-based learning?

EP7: How can we use milestones to track students’ progress during PBL?

EP8: How can we choose an engaging project-based learning topic?

EP9: What is the teachers’ role during project-based learning?

EP10: How can we plan a project showcase without feeling overwhelmed?

EP11: How can we use effective feedback strategies to enhance students’ public products?

EP 12: How can teachers improve their PBL experience through reflection?

EP 13: How can we shift students from presentations to presentations of learning?

If you've been working in education for more than a year, you have probably heard of numerous instructional strategies from education researchers claiming to be the answer to increasing student mastery. You may feel your school district has a different focus each year as a result of new or updated research-based strategies.

A few years ago, I attended a professional development workshop about differentiating instruction. I sat beside a teacher who had been teaching for over 30 years. The professional development facilitator began the training stating how pathways and playlists will improve student mastery. The facilitator encouraged every teacher to utilize pathways and playlists as a tool for differentiation.

The veteran teacher beside me whispered, "This is the same strategy as X that we used in the 1980s, and that's what they said then. Every year is something new to save the day. Just wait. We'll be doing something different next year." Basically, the teacher was saying that pathways and playlists were a fad or a temporary save the day instructional strategy.

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I may have a different perspective. Yes, many, if not most instructional strategies or teaching methods derive from previous research-based strategies. As a professional development facilitator, I believe the success of most instructional methods depends on the fidelity of implementation and the ability of the teacher to modify aspects of the teaching method because every student is unique.

Let's clarify that project-based learning is not new, and it has gone through many iterations over the last century. In 1918, William Kilpatrick published an article called "The Project Method," building upon John Dewey's research. Kilpatrick was a student of John Dewey, and they both believed that when students engage in learning experiences that are relevant to the real world, then education becomes more engaging and meaningful. I agree.

Project-based learning provides students the opportunity to practice and develop skills useful for the workforce. I believe that we're preparing students for jobs that may not yet exist. You're probably thinking, if these jobs don't exist yet, then how do we prepare students for the workforce?

When implemented well, project-based learning can positively impact students' academic and personal growth.

Let's explore ten benefits of project-based learning.

1. Through project-based learning, students can utilize 21st-century skills such as communication, collaboration, critical thinking, and creativity as they explore the project topic.
   

2. Through project-based learning, students can collaborate with peers and practice resolving conflict. Students will likely have different ideas about how to address the challenge, so they have the opportunity to practice compromising, sharing their thoughts, agreeing, or disagreeing with others in a healthy and caring way. 
   

3. Project-based learning experiences allow students to gain project management skills since they are working on the project over a few weeks. Students will need to learn and practice organizational skills so they can manage all of their deadlines and progress towards instructional tasks.
   

4. A project-based learning environment promotes academic risk-taking because students test new ideas without step-by-step directions from the teacher. 
   

5. High-quality project-based learning experiences promote a culture of curiosity because students can explore topics of interest. Although the teacher may write the driving question, there is still an opportunity for students to dive deeper into concepts that they care about through open and guided research methods.

6. Project-based learning can improve students' attitudes toward learning because it offers a different way to explore a subject area. Also, teachers are easily able to connect learning to real life, making it more meaningful and engaging for students. 

7. Through project-based learning, students develop problem-solving and critical thinking skills as they explore solutions to their problem or challenge while integrating content-specific skills. 
   
   

8. Through project-based learning, students can build their academic confidence while they're displaying their knowledge in a variety of ways and learning through flexible engagement with grade-level content. 
   

9. Project-based learning can increase students' long-term retention of academic objectives because the content connects to a meaningful experience versus an isolated assignment. 

10. Through project-based learning, students can practice exhibiting a growth mindset, a belief that intelligence can develop through effort, which leads to increased motivation and achievement.  

Reflection: 

What additional benefits can students gain from project-based learning?