What is Project-Based Learning?

Students benefit from different instructional strategies. See five keys to rigorous project-based learning.

Project-based learning classrooms are places where a constructivist approach to learning assists students in gaining a deeper understanding of materials through process-oriented engagement in investigation of real, meaningful problems.

Through project-based learning, students:

  • respond to a driving question
  • explore the question in situated, authentic inquiry
  • problem solve collaboratively 
  • are scaffolded to extend their learning ability
  • create a tangible product in response to the driving question

Problem-based learning classrooms are places where...

  • communication skills
  • prior knowledge
  • metacognitive skills
  • lifelong learning skills, and content knowledge

​...are practiced by focusing on problems prior to or, more often, in lieu of explicit instruction.