21st Century Strands & Strategies
Chapter: Strands & Strategies: Deep Dive
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3.
Generation of a "knowledge inventory" (a list of "what we know about the
problem" and "what we need to know")
4.
Generation of possible solutions
5.
Formulation of learning issues for self-directed and coached learning
6.
Sharing of findings and solutions
Similarities & differences between Project-Based Learning and Problem-Based Learning
Similarities
•
Focus on an open-ended question or task
•
Provide authentic applications of content and skills
•
Build 21st Century skills
•
Emphasize student independence and inquiry
•
Are longer and more multifaceted than traditional lessons or assignments
•
Student-focused, rather than teacher-focused
Differences
Project-Based Learning
Problem-Based Learning
Often multi-disciplinary
More often single-subject
May be lengthy (weeks or months)
Tend to be shorter
Follows general, variously-named steps
Follows specific, traditionally prescribed
steps
Includes the creation of a product or
performance
The “product” may simply be a proposed
solution, expressed in writing or in an oral
presentation
Often involves real-world, fully authentic
tasks and setting
More often uses case studies or fictitious
scenarios as “ill-structured problems”
Problem-Based Learning
Problem-Based Learning encompasses
realistic and authentic ill-structured
problems, where students are actively
engaged in critical and creative ways of
thinking to solve the problem. Effective
collaboration and communication are
essential ways of working in a 21st
Century instructional environment.
