21st Century Strands & Strategies
Chapter: Strands & Strategies: Deep Dive
34
Project-Based Learning
Project-Based Learning (PBL) is "a systematic teaching method that engages students in
learning knowledge and skills through an extended inquiry process structured around
complex, authentic questions and carefully designed products and tasks" (Buck Institute
for Education).
The video below combines fresh animation and lively presentation by Sam Seidel,
author of the book Hip Hop Genius, about the need to "keep it real" in school with PBL.
Drawings from his work at High School for the Recording Arts (HSRA) features an original
song from a student's science project to make the case for powerful authentic learning.
Source: Keep It Real uploaded on
by BIE
Connections
•
Respectful and challenging tasks involve students in voice and choice
•
Flexible grouping provides students multiple ways to work and learn from each
other
•
Differentiation occurs through the process and products students develop
What does the research suggest?
Studies have proven that when implemented well, project-based learning (PBL) can
increase retention of content and improve students' attitudes towards learning, among
other benefits.