Project-based learning (PBL) is a student-centered teaching method where students gain knowledge and skills by working for an extended period of time to investigate and respond to an authentic, engaging and complex question, problem, or challenge. The key principles of PBL include student choice, inquiry, authenticity, and reflection. Research has shown that PBL leads to greater student understanding and motivation compared to traditional teaching methods. It also improves standardized test scores, as students learn skills like problem-solving that apply to real-world contexts. PBL benefits gifted students in particular by allowing more flexibility for independent exploration at higher levels of depth and complexity.