1. Project Based Learning

2. What is it?
An extended process of inquiry in response to a complex question, problem or challenge
It is often situated learning
Projects are carefully planned, managed and assessed
Key skills are collaboration, communication and critical thinking
Focus on creating authentic responses and knowledge
The idea of “learning by doing” was first promoted by John Dewey (1897)

3. Answering the driving question
The driving question is open ended
Students need to used Higher Order Thinking skills
Students need to work as a team
Requires critical thinking, problem solving, collaboration and communication

4. Inquiry in the learning process
Develop and ask questions
Search for answers
Arrive at conclusions
Use these conclusions to construct something new: an idea, interpretation or product
The teacher is merely a facilitator- students are responsible for their own inquiry

5. PBL vs Traditional didactic approaches to learning
Traditional approaches present students with knowledge and concepts. Students must gain these to reach opportunities to apply them
PBL starts with a vision of the end product/ presentation/ idea. Students create a context, and are engaged by developing a reason to learn and understand the information and concepts needed to complete the project

6. Advantages of PBL
Students are giving a voice in the learning process, learning to work independently and in teams, and must take responsibility for their project and learning
Students give and receive feedback during the process, to improve the final project outcomes (e.g. product)
Students are asked to reflect upon what and how they are learning, to improve their critical thinking and self evaluation skills
Students gain a deeper understanding of the key concepts and knowledge in a project

7. Some more advantages…
Projects can have real life applications, making the content more relatable for students
Students can improve their time and project management skills
Student social skills are enhanced

8. Disadvantages of PBL
Social loafing as described by Hye-Jung and Cheoli (2012), where some team members perform insufficiently, requiring other team members to pick up the slack
Social loafing can also lead to project standards being lowered to maintain team cohesion and congeniality
Social dynamics are not always assessed, despite these having a direct impact on the completed project
PBL is not applicable in all subject areas, such as in skills based subjects like Math (however it is highly useful in TAS subjects)