University at Buffalo (UB)
What is Project-Based Learning?
Students benefit from different instructional strategies. See five keys to rigorous project-based learning.
Project-based learning classrooms are places where a constructivist approach to learning assists students in gaining a deeper understanding of materials through process-oriented engagement in investigation of real, meaningful problems.
Through project-based learning, students:
- respond to a driving question
- explore the question in situated, authentic inquiry
- problem solve collaboratively
- are scaffolded to extend their learning ability
- create a tangible product in response to the driving question
Problem-based learning classrooms are places where...
- communication skills
- prior knowledge
- metacognitive skills
- lifelong learning skills, and content knowledge
...are practiced by focusing on problems prior to or, more often, in lieu of explicit instruction.
