Problem-Based Learning turned into Project-Based Learning Unit. Differentiating instruction, while providing students with voice and choice.

1. Differentiating Project-Based
and Problem-Based Learning
By: Marisol Audia: Instructional Coach for Innovative Learning

2. Introducing
Problem-Based
and Project-Based
Learning

3. Project-Based Learning
Hanney and Savin-Baden (2013)
stated that “...project-based learning
is....a timebound activity, which is
directed by the project participants
or team, who determine the
course of the project and the
final output…” (p. 8).

4. Project-Based Learning
Project-Based
Learning
Publicly
Presented
Project Feedback
and
Revision
Creation of
a Final
Project
Need to
Know
Student
Voice and
Choice
Driving
Question or
Challenge
21st
Century
Skills
Inquiry and
Innovation
Students have the majority of the control over the
direction of their work
Projects may or may not address specific
problems
Projects go on over a period of time
Projects are usually arranged on a timeline with
learning objectives spaced out over a duration of
time
Learner motivation and engagement are goals of
educators who use project-based learning
It is imperative that students know what they are
doing, why its important and how they will be
assessed

5. Problem-Based Learning
According to Hanney and Savin-
Baden (2013), “Problem-based
learning...is a relative mature
pedagogy with a distinct theory
of learning, that places the
process of knowledge acquisition
at its core” (p. 8).

6. Problem-Based Learning
The Problem
Possible Solutions
Choose Most
Achievable
Solutions
Report Solution
List Known
Factors
List Unknowns
Research
Unknowns
Create a problem
Based on real life situations that have multiple
solutions.
Group students
Problem Analysis
Students list fact that they know collaboratively
Students jointly list unknowns and they research
independently
Test Theories
Students model the situations and test their theories
based on findings
With facilitator support, students sift through their
research and find possible solutions
Presenting
Students select the solution that fits the best and
present their solutions.

7. My Practical Application
Learning Goal:
By the end of the unit, the students will be able to identify, analyze and discuss
ways to improve the environment within their community by finding ways to
encourage recycling and reusing products creatively.
Essential Questions:
How do my actions contribute or detract from a clean environment?
What should be done in response to environmental pollution?
What is the impact to the environment within my school community?
What can I do to impact the community and feel empowered?

8. Project-Based Approach
Sample 4th
Grade
Assignment
Students will select an item typically disposed of at
their school and create an alternative use for that
item.
Goal: Students will learn how to reduce waste and
lessen negative impacts on the environment.

9. Problem-Based Approach
Sample
4th
Assignment
Students will explore factors negatively impacting
the environment around them and how their
actions contribute.
Goal: Students will research ways to raise
awareness appropriate for their community and
present their findings/solutions to an audience.

10. My Personal Opinion
“Project and problem-based learning are both activity-
based approaches to learning. This is the best way to
teach students, since it is not only highly engaging, but
also targets real world problems. The best way to
maximize student learning is to have them highly
involved in the learning process. The most effective way
of accomplishing this is to get them interested in the
topic and limit distractions by ‘doing’ as opposed to just
listening. My own character make-up prevents me from
choosing project-based over problem-based learning
because I enjoy being creative, producing, and problem-
solving, equally.”

11. References
Hanney, R. r., & Savin-Baden, M. (2013). The Problem of
Projects: Understanding the Theoretical Underpinnings of
Project-led PBL. London Review Of Education, 11(1), 7-19.
Landsberger, J. (2011). Problem-based learning. Retrieved from
http://www.studygs.net/pbl.html