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Why Project Based Learning?

October 2, 2018
In this last decade, as a result of significant research, we have come to realize that students are more engaged with learning when they are involved in some form of problem solving and hands-on project making. This specific type of learning has also been shown to lead directly to an increase in student achievement.

The Buck Institute for Education (BIE), a highly reputable Project Based Learning (PBL) organization, defines PBL as, “A teaching method in which 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.”

Research has proven that PBL increases student engagement and interest, develops problem solving skills at a deeper level, and also naturally teaches students how to transfer their learning to new situations. (Hmelo-Silver, 2007) Highlighted below are additional benefits noted in recent studies published by BIE in a research summary published in 2013:

Academic Achievement
Goals for 21st century learning emphasize mastery of significant academic content, which also is the foundation of any well-designed project. Comparisons of learning outcomes in PBL versus more traditional, textbook and lecture driven instruction show that:
  • Students learning through PBL retain content longer and have a deeper understanding of what they are learning. (Penuel & Means, 2000; Stepien, Gallagher & Workman, 1993)
  • In specific content areas, PBL has been shown to be more effective than traditional methods for teaching math, economics, language, science, and other disciplines. (Beckett & Miller, 2006; Boaler, 2002; Finkelstein et al., 2010; Greier et al., 2008; Mergendoller, Maxwell, & Bellisimo, 2006)
  • On high-stakes tests, PBL students perform as well or better than traditionally taught students. (Parker et al., 2011)

21st Century Competencies
PBL helps students master the key competencies identified as essential for college and career readiness. Research has shown:
  • Students demonstrate better problem-solving skills in PBL than in more traditional classes and are able to apply what they learn to real-life situations. (Finkelstein et al., 2010)
  • When teachers are trained in PBL methods, they devote more class time to teaching 21st century skills; their students perform at least as well on standardized tests as students engaged in traditional instruction. (Hixson, Ravitz, & Whisman, 2012)
  • PBL students also show improved critical thinking. (Beckett & Miller, 2006; Horan, Lavaroni, & Beldon, 1996; Mergendoller, Maxwell, & Bellisimo, 2006; Tretten & Zachariou, 1995)
  • Through PBL experiences, students improve their ability to work collaboratively and resolve conflicts. (Beckett & Miller; ChanLin, 2008)
  • Opportunities for collaborative learning provide benefits to students across grade levels, academic subjects, and achievement levels. (Johnson & Johnson, 2009; Slavin, 1996)
Equity
  • PBL shows promise as a strategy for closing the achievement gap by engaging lower achieving students. (Boaler, 2002; Penuel & Means, 2000)
  • PBL can work in different types of schools, serving diverse learners. (Hixson, Ravitz, & Whisman, 2012)
  • PBL also can provide an effective model for whole-school reform. (National Clearinghouse for Comprehensive School Reform, 2004; Newmann & Wehlage, 1995; Ravitz, 2008)
Motivation
  • In PBL classrooms, students demonstrate improved attitudes toward learning. They exhibit more engagement, are more self-reliant, and have better attendance than in more traditional settings. (Thomas, 2000; Walker & Leary, 2009)
Teacher Satisfaction
  • Teachers may need time and professional development to become familiar with PBL methods, but those who make this shift in classroom practice report increased job satisfaction. (Hixson, Ravitz, & Whisman, 2012; Strobel & van Barneveld, 2009)
Based on these outcomes, Renbrook School has distinguished PBL as a key goal as seen in its latest Strategic Plan. Additionally, we are thrilled to be bringing PBL expert, Dayna Laur to Renbrook for a day of professional development for our teachers, as well as an evening event for parents and the greater community. Dayna is a member of the National Faculty for the Buck Institute for Education and she has helped to develop and manage the PBLU online PBL certification program for BIE. She trains nationally, internationally, and through online support. She has been published in multiple leading global and national journals. Most recently, she published the book Authentic Learning Experiences: A Real-World Approach to Project Based Learning.

I personally invite all parents to attend Dayna’s talk on campus October 9th at 7:00 p.m. It’s important for parents to learn the background and fundamentals of this highly effective, student-centered pedagogy that Renbrook School is dedicating time and resources to in order to educate our students at the highest level. RSVP at www.renbrook.org/PBL

Our hope at Renbrook, is that students will not “do” project based learning, but that it will become a tacit part of how they learn. And, ultimately, we hope that this will lead to empowered, engaged students who find meaning and relevance in their work and who make clear connections to the world not only in the present, but for the remainder of their schooling and future careers.
 
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