This document discusses problem-based learning (PBL) and project-based learning. PBL presents students with real-world problems and has them develop solutions, fostering skills like problem-solving and critical thinking. It outlines the steps of PBL, including presenting the problem and developing solutions. Project-based learning involves in-depth student-centered investigations over multiple class periods on authentic tasks. An example of each is given: for PBL, students determine how to care for a class pet rabbit, and for project-based learning, students grow and observe different plants. Both approaches are said to improve student learning.

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Project and Problem
Based Learning
Erica Rodriguez

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Problem Based
Learning

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What is it?
 This
type of learning gives students real world
problems and realistic dilemmas
 The
students are asked to come up with a solution to
the problem, and there is not necessarily one correct
answer
 This
type of learning fosters problem solving, higher
order thinking, along with critical thinking skills
 The
problems don’t test skills they help students
develop them

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Steps to Problem based instruction
 1.
Present the problem and scenario
 2.
List what is known
 3.
Develop a problem statement
 4.
List what is needed
 5.
List possible outcomes, solutions, or
recommendations
 6.
Present and Support solutions

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Example

A teacher wants a first grade class to think critically about how
to get a class pet. Their teacher has given them the following
problem:

Our class would like to get a pet rabbit. What does our class
need to do in order to buy and take care of a rabbit?

Students have prior knowledge about rabbits because they
have been studying about them in class.

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Example continued

The students will develop a statement about what they are
going to solve. They may work in groups and so the class will
have several different statements.

They will also list what is needed. These will include things like
money to buy the rabbit and supplies, and a schedule for who
will clean the cage and feed the rabbit.

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Example continued

The students will then work together to come up with solutions
for the problem. Some solutions may include; having a bake
sale or car wash to raise money, and creating a calendar where
students rotate who cleans and feeds the rabbit.

A final solution will then be given. An example of this may be
that the class will have a bake sale to buy the rabbit and
supplies. They will create a schedule for who takes care of the
rabbit and display it in the classroom.

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Problem Based Learning Works!

This problem based learning can be used in all levels of
educations

The system works because the problems are real world and
relevant to the students which fosters curiosity and a want to
learn.

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Project Based
Learning

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Project Based Learning

This type of learning strays away from the normal curriculum
where students learn specific topics on certain days.

Students learn when they need to know the information for the
project they are working on

Students do in-depth investigations that can take more than
one or two class periods.

The learning is student centered and gives real life experiences
with multiple perspectives

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7 aspects to project learning

1.
Learner centered environments
 2.
Collaboration with other students and
professionals
 3.
Curricular content but not a standard curriculum
 4. Authentic
real life tasks
 5.
Multiple modes to express learning
 6.
Emphasis on time management
 7.
Innovative assessment

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Example

A class of second graders is asked to grow their own plants.

They are given choices of seeds and pots and may chose up to
three different plants and pots.

They chose where they want to place there plants, how and
when they want to water it, and anything else they want to do
for their plants.

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Example Continued

Students journal about the state of their plants on each day of
the week. They also talk to other students about how their
plants are doing.

At the end of the project students write a small paper on which
of their plants grew best, why they think this is, and what they
may do differently if planting another plant

This project will allow students to find out for themselves the
best way to grow plants, while keeping there interest in a hands
on experience they will remember.

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Both Problem based
and project based
learning can improve
students learning
tremendously!