Project-based learning is a student-centered approach that shifts away from traditional teacher-led lessons. It involves extended projects that engage students in solving real-world problems. Students develop critical thinking, collaboration skills, and a deeper understanding of subjects. An example project had students collaborating with an elementary school to design playground structures. Students researched materials and drafting tools, created plans using software, and had their designs critiqued before one was selected for construction.

1. Project-Based
Learning
(PBL)

2. Definition
• Project based learning is a creative approach to
teaching a variety of methods vital for success in
the 21st century. Project-based learning shifts
away from the traditional classroom with
teacher-centered lessons allowing students to go
through an extended process which teaches
them to explore real-world problems, challenges
and think critically.

3. Importance
• Active student learning
• Builds critical thinking, decision making, problem
solving, communication and collaboration skills
• gain a deeper appreciation and knowledge of a subject

4. Aspects of Project-Based
Learning
•
•
•
•
•
•
Relevance
Research
Models
Critique & Collaboration
Revision & Reflection
Voice & Choice

5. Architecture Unit
An Example

6. Project Objective
• Students collaborate with local elementary school to draft a
playhouse.
• Research is done to insure safety of materials
• Teach required knowledge to draft/build (trigonometry,
AutoCAD, ect.)
• Checkpoints and critiques keep students on task.
• Each student will submit a final draft of their playhouse.
• Every playhouse must be realistic and able to be build, but
mostly, it must be safe and up to regulation dictated in public
law.
• The elementary students decide which one is built for their
playground.

7. Tools and their Roles in Project
based Learning
• Second Life
• Preliminary drafting
• AutoCAD
• Professional Drafting
• Smart Board
• Display work for Critique
• Podcasts
• Listen to architecture discussion
• Tutorials
• Learning programs and methods

8. Works Cited
• Project-Based Learning (n.d.). In Edutopia. Retrieved
November 30, 2013, from http://www.edutopia.org/projectbased-learning
• Project Based Learning for the 21st Century (n.d.). In BIE.
Retrieved November 30, 2013, from
http://www.bie.org/about/what_is_pbl