Project-Based Learning

Introductory Videos

Introduction to Project Based Learning (watch on YouTube) David Joyner Jun 6, 2016 David Joyner introduces Project Based Learning as part of Pedagogical Styles. Joyner, D. & Udacity. (2016). Pedagogical Styles: Project Based Learning Introductory Video. Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2tKqSaopvt4

Introductory Resources

What Research Says About ... Project Based Learning Jane L. David Sep 1, 2010 This column from Educational Leadership examines the research behind project based learning. Larmer, J., & Mergendoller, J. R. (2010). Seven essentials for project-based learning. Educational leadership, 68(1), 34-37. Retrieved from http://www.ascd.org/publications/educational_leadership/sept10/vol68/num01/Seven_Essentials_for_Project-Based_Learning.aspx

Seven Essentials for Project Based Learning John Larmer, John R. Mergendoller Sep 1, 2010 Larmer and Mergendoller provide seven criteria to apply when developing projects for students. Larmer, J., & Mergendoller, J. R. (2010). Seven essentials for project-based learning. Educational leadership, 68(1), 34-37. Retrieved from http://www.ascd.org/publications/educational_leadership/sept10/vol68/num01/Seven_Essentials_for_Project-Based_Learning.aspx

Project Based Learning: Explained (watch on YouTube) Buck Institute for Education Sep 10, 2010 This video from Buck Instutite for Education provides a brief explanation of Project Based Learning (PBL). PBL is aimed at K-12 learners. Buck Institute for Education. (2010, September 10). Project Based Learning: Explained. Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LMCZvGesRz8

Project-based Learning Research Review Vanessa Vega Dec 3, 2012 This is the first is a five part article about research supported project based learning. The sections provide support for learning outcomes, successful implementation, best practices, and ways to avoid common catch points in project based learning classrooms. A table of contents if provided for easy navigation between pages. Vega, V. & Edutopia. (web log) (2012, December 3). Project-based Learning Research Review, (Updated by Edutopia staff, December 1, 2015). Edutopia. Retrieved from https://www.edutopia.org/pbl-research-learning-outcomes

What Project Based Learning is and What it Isn't Katrina Schwartz Jan 2, 2013 Schwartz makes the distinction between project-based learning and project-oriented learning. In project-based learning, the learning comes from the project itself, not something that shows what they've learned after the fact. Schwartz, K. (2013-01-02) What Project Based Learning is and What it Isn't. Mindshift, KQED. Retrieved from http://ww2.kqed.org/mindshift/2013/01/02/what-project-based-learning-is-and-isnt/

Project-based Learning Aug 29, 2013 EdGlossary, created by The Great Schools Partnership, defines project-based learning as "... any programmatic or instructional approach that utilizes multifaceted projects as a central organizing strategy for educating students." The page offers a definition, resources, and a summary of the debate about the implementation and efficacy of the pedagogy. EdGlossary. (2013, August 29). Project-based Learning. The Glossary of Education Reform. Retrieved from http://edglossary.org/project-based-learning/

Project-Based Learning vs Problem-Based Learning vs x-BL Jane L. David Jan 6, 2014 John Larmer, of the Buck Institute for Education, describes the differences between some of the more popular activity-based learning pedagogies. His emphasis is Project-Based Learning. Larmer, J. (2014-01-06) Project-Based Learning vs Problem-Based Learning vs x-BL (Updated Jul 13, 2015). Edutopia. Retrieved from https://www.edutopia.org/blog/pbl-vs-pbl-vs-xbl-john-larmer

Project-based learning: the pros and cons Psyche Pascual Sep 21, 2015 This is an introductory article explaining project-based learning, the benefits, and what to look for in a school's commitment to that approach to learning. This article is written for parents. Pascual, P. (2015, September 21). Project-based learning: the pros and cons. Great Schools. Retrieved from http://www.greatschools.org/gk/articles/project-based-learning/

Buck Instutite for Education Apr 24, 2017 Buck Institute for Education (BIE) is one of the leading organizations advocating and supporting the use of project based learning in primary schools. "BIE creates, gathers, and shares high-quality PBL instructional practices and products and provides highly effective services to teachers, schools, and districts." They also provide similar services for teachers. About BIE. (2017, April 24). Buck Institute for Education. Retrieved from http://www.bie.org/about/about_bie

Complete Guide to Project-based Learning StudentGuide Apr 24, 2017 studentGuide is an aggregator of links about different education related topics. This page contains lists of links under several categories: What is Project-based Learning?; Research Supporting Project-Based Learning; How to Design a Project; Project Examples; and, Teacher Resources. StudentGuide. (2017-04-24). Complete Guide to Project-based Learning. Retrieved from http://www.studentguide.org/the-complete-guide-to-project-based-learning/

Powerful Projects Tony Vincent Apr 24, 2017 This is a very brief introduction to project based learning. There is more information on the site. Vincent, T. (web log) (2017, April 24). Powerful Projects. Retrieved from http://learninginhand.com/pbl/

Project-Based Learning Heather Coffey Apr 24, 2017 This is a brief backgrounder on Project Based Learning. The topics covered are the history of PBL, a definition of PBL, and way to implement PBL in a classroom environment. It also includes references. Coffey, H. & Learn NC. (2017, April 24). Project-based Learning. Learn NC, University of North Carolina. Retrieved from http://www.learnnc.org/lp/pages/4753

Project-based Learning Various Apr 20, 2017 Wikipedia is an open encyclopedia. This link is for the entry for Project Based Learning. Various. (2017). Project-based Learning. wikipedia. Retrieved April 20, 2017 from: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Project-based_learning

What is Project Based Learning (BIE) Apr 24, 2017 BIE provides an explanation of Project Based Learning. They list several criteria for "Essential Project Design Elements." About BIE. (2017, April 24). Buck Institute for Education. Retrieved from http://www.bie.org/about/what_pbl

Why Project Based Learning? Apr 24, 2017 BIE explains why Project Based Learning should be used as a pedagogical style. About BIE. (2017, April 24). Buck Institute for Education. Retrieved from http://www.bie.org/about/what_pbl

Formative Assessment Heather Coffey Apr 28, 2017 This is a brief backgrounder on Formative Assessment. The topics covered are history, teacher's role and strategies for formative assessment from LEARN NC. Coffey, H. & Learn NC. (2017, April 28). Formative Assessment. Learn NC, University of North Carolina. Retrieved from www.learnnc.org/lp/pages/5212

Scholarly Readings

Motivating Project-Based Learning: Sustaining the Doing, Supporting the Learning Phyllis C. Blumenfeld, Elliot Soloway, Ronald W. Marx, Joseph S. Krajcik, Mark Guzdial, Annemarie Palincsar Jun 1, 1991 The authors provide an academic, research bsed framework for successfully implementing project-based learning. Blumenfeld, P. C., Soloway, E., Marx, R. W., Krajcik, J. S., Guzdial, M., & Palincsar, A. (1991). Motivating project-based learning: Sustaining the doing, supporting the learning. Educational psychologist, 26(3-4), 369-398. Retrieved from http://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/00461520.1991.9653139

A Review of Research on Project-Based Learning John Thomas Mar 1, 2000 This report covers research in eight project-based learning topics. Thomas, J. W. (2000). A review of research on project-based learning. Retrieved from http://www.bobpearlman.org/BestPractices/PBL_Research.pdf

Managing Project-Based Learning: Principles from the Field John R. Mergendoller Jan 1, 2001 Mergendoller provides the result of research with teachers who implemented project-based learning in their classrooms. Of the 53 management prinicples identified, there were seven themes and 18 sub-themes. Mergendoller, J. R., & Thomas, J. W. (2001). Managing project based learning: Principles from the field. Buck Institute for Education. Available: http://www.bie.org. Retrieved from http://www.bie.org/images/uploads/general/f6d0b4a5d9e37c0e0317acb7942d27b0.pdf

When smart groups fail Brigid Barron Jan 1, 2003 Barron reports how group dynamics positively and negatively impacted the outcome of project-based learning. The subjects of her study were 12 three-member teams composed of 6th grade students. Barron, B. (2003). When smart groups fail. The journal of the learning sciences, 12(3), 307-359. Retrieved from https://www2.dsv.su.se/research/kogc/Kurser/Baker-kurs/WhenSmartGroupsFail.pdf

Problem-Based Learning Meets Case-Based Reasoning in the Middle-School Science Classroom: Putting Learning by Design™ Into Practice Janet L. Kolodner, Paul J. Camp, David Crismond, Barbara Fasse, Jackie Gray, Jennifer Holbrook, Sadhana Puntambekar, Mike Ryan Oct 1, 2003 The paper describes the research surrounding the implementation of their trademarked learning/teaching approach. This paper also reflects the recurring theme in project-based learning of beaing able to teach students, through the skills learned doing their projects, real-world transferable cognitive skills. Kolodner, J. L., Camp, P. J., Crismond, D., Fasse, B., Gray, J., Holbrook, J., ... & Ryan, M. (2003). Problem-based learning meets case-based reasoning in the middle-school science classroom: Putting learning by design (tm) into practice. The journal of the learning sciences, 12(4), 495-547. Retrieved from https://stemedhub.org/resources/800/download/Kolodner_etal_2003_PBL_Meets_Cased-Based_Reasoning.pdf

Turning Student Groups into Effective Teams Barbara Oakley, Richard M. Felder, Rebecca Brent, Imad Elhajj Oct 1, 2003 The paper provides guidelines for assembling and managing student teams in college classrooms where teaming skills have not been previously taught or where there is not time to do the training. Oakley, B., Felder, R. M., Brent, R., & Elhajj, I. (2004). Turning student groups into effective teams. Journal of student centered learning, 2(1), 9-34. Retrieved from http://www4.ncsu.edu/unity/lockers/users/f/felder/public/Papers/Oakley-paper(JSCL).pdf

Online Professional Development for Project Based Learning: Pathways to Systematic Improvement Joel I. Klein, Santiago Taveras, Sabrina Hope King, Anna Commitante, Linda Curtis-Bey, Barbara Stripling Oct 27, 2004 "This paper describes efforts to increase the prevalence, rigor and relevance of Project Based Learning in US schools and internationally" by providing materials about project-based learning to teachers and administrators to clarify misconceptions about and expand the use of project-based learning. Ravitz, J., Mergendoller, J., Markham, T., Thorsen, C., Rice, K., Snelson, C., & Reberry, S. (2004). Online Professional Development for Project Based Learning: Pathways to Systematic Improvement. Beryl Buck Institute for Education. Retrieved from http://files.eric.ed.gov/fulltext/ED486531.pdf

Teaching for Meaningful Learning: A Review of Research on Inquiry-Based and Cooperative Learning Brigid Barron, Linda Darling-Hammond Jan 1, 2008 This link is an except from the book Teaching for Meaningful Learning. The authors review 20+ years of research devoted to improving teaching through inquiry-based learning. Barron, B., & Darling-Hammond, L. (2008). Teaching for Meaningful Learning: A Review of Research on Inquiry-Based and Cooperative Learning. Book Excerpt. George Lucas Educational Foundation. Retrieved from http://www.edutopia.org/pdfs/edutopia-teaching-for-meaningful-learning.pdf

Learning History in Middle School by Designing Multimedia in a Project-Based Learning Experience Pedro Hernández-Ramos, Susan De La Paz Jun 1, 1991 The authors provide the results of a study using 8th grade students to learn history by completing a multimedia project. The authors used constructionism and project-based learning to complete the study. Hernández-Ramos, P., & De La Paz, S. (2009). Learning history in middle school by designing multimedia in a project-based learning experience. Journal of Research on Technology in Education, 42(2), 151-173. Retrieved from http://files.eric.ed.gov/fulltext/EJ868627.pdf

Project-Based Learning: Inspiring Middle School Students to Engage in Deep and Active Learning Joel I. Klein, Santiago Taveras, Sabrina Hope King, Anna Commitante, Linda Curtis-Bey, Barbara Stripling Jan 1, 2009 The content is focused on social studies and science, two subject areas that can easily adopt project-based learning techniques used in the New York City Public School System. It provides an overview of what teachers need to do to successfully implement project-based learning in their classrooms. Klein, J. I., Taveras, S., Hope King, S. H., Commitante Curtis Bey, L., & Stripling, B. (2009). Project-based learning: Inspiring middle school students to engage in deep and active learning. Division of Teaching and Learning Office of Curriculum, Standards, and Academic Engagement. NYC Department of Education. New York. Retrieved from http://schools.nyc.gov/documents/teachandlearn/project_basedFinal.pdf

Biographies

Eliot Soloway Sep 1, 2015 Elliot Soloway's research interests are in the use of technology in education and developing software that takes into consideration the unique needs of learners. He was one of the founders of hi-ce, the Center for Highly Interactive Computing in Education, where he works to develop technology-embedded curricula for school-based programs. He is a principal investigator of the Center for Learning Technologies in Urban Schools grant. He received his PhD from the University of Massachusetts-Amherst. (University of Michigan Homepage)[http://www.soe.umich.edu/people/profile/elliot_soloway/] University of Michigan. (n.d.) Elliot Soloway. Retrieved from: ://www.soe.umich.edu/people/profile/elliot_soloway/

Mark Guzdial Google Scholar Sep 1, 2015 Professor, School of Interactive Computing, College of Computing, Georgia Institute of Technology Google Scholar topics: Computing Education, Learning Sciences & Technologies, Computer Supported Collaborative Learning Verified email at cc.gatech.edu (2017-04-09) (GA Tech Homepage)[http://www.cc.gatech.edu/~mark.guzdial] Additional Site: (Computing Education Blog)[https://computinged.wordpress.com/] Google Scholar. (n.d.) Mark Guzdial. Retrieved from: https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=iQV2L2IAAAAJ&hl=en

Annemarie Palincsar Annemarie Palincsar Apr 24, 2017 Palincsar is on the faculty at the University of Michigan as a Professor of Education. "Palincsar's primary research interest is in supporting students to learn how to engage in knowledge building with informational text, especially in the context of project-based scientific inquiry." Palincsar, A. (2017, April 24) Retrieved from http://www.soe.umich.edu/people/profile/annemarie_sullivan_palincsar/

Bob Pearlman Bob Pearlman Apr 24, 2017 Bob Pearlman is a leader in the 21st century schools initiative, a project intended to ready students for 21st century requirements for learning and working. A description of his most recent initiative, School 21, is included on his website. His site also includes information about his research and papers. Pearlman, B. (2017, April 24) Retrieved from http://www.bobpearlman.org/index.htm

Brigid Barron Brigid Barron Apr 24, 2017 Barron is on the faculty of Stanford Graduate School of Education. Her research interests are Access and Equity, Community/Youth Development and Organizations, Design Experiments, Equity in the Development of Technological Fluency, Family Issues, School as a Context of Human Development, and Small Group Instruction and Interaction, Technology in Teaching and Learning. Barron, B. (2017, April 24) Retrieved from https://ed.stanford.edu/faculty/barronbj

Edutopia Apr 24, 2017 Edutopia is part of the George Lucas Educational Foundation. The Foundation covers a lot of ground in support of education, but it all involves incorporating technology into education. Their core concepts include assessment, integrated studies, project-based learning, social and emotional learning, teacher development, and technology integration. Core Concepts. (2017, April 24). Edutopia, George Lucas Educational Foundation. Retrieved from https://www.edutopia.org/core-concepts

John Mergendoller John Mergendoller Apr 24, 2017 Mergendoller is a senior fellow at the Buck Institute for Education, a learning project-based learning organization. He has supported project-based learning and written extensively about it. Blumenfeld, P. (2017, April 24) Retrieved from http://www.bie.org/people/john_r._mergendoller

Kathy Schrock Kathy Schrock Apr 24, 2017 Kathy Schrock is an "educational technologist." She has a personal blog, but the site linked here, Kathy Schrock's Guide to Everything, covers all types of education related technology. Schrock, K. (2017, April 24) Retrieved from http://www.schrockguide.net/

Magnify Learning Apr 24, 2017 Magnify Learning offers professional development services (courses and training material) supporting the Indiana Collaborative for Project Based Learning. About. (2017, April 24). Magnify Learning. Retrieved from http://magnifylearningin.org/about/

Phyllis Blumenfeld Apr 24, 2017 Blumenfeld was on the faculty at University of Michigan from 1974 to her retirement in 2010. "Professor Blumenfeld taught in the Combined Program in Education and Psychology. Her research focused on the influence of teacher behavior and classroom tasks on student motivation. Professor Blumenfeld's work on socialization in schools explored the relationship between classroom management, norms, expectations, and a student's sense of responsibility for learning." Blumenfeld, P. (2017, April 24) Retrieved from http://um2017.org/faculty-history/faculty/phyllis-blumenfeld/memoir

Sam Houston Center for Project Based Learning Apr 24, 2017 The Center for Project Based Learning site offers resources for learning more about project based learning. The Center has a Youtube channel, but it is not active. Center for Project Based Learning. (2017, April 24). Sam Houston University. Retrieved from http://www.shsu.edu/centers/project-based-learning/

Ongoing Projects

High Tech High Apr 24, 2017 High Tech High (HTH) started as a charter school in San Diego based on project-based learning principles and has expanded to include 5,300 students on three campuses. "High Tech High is guided by four connected design principles—equity, personalization, authentic work, and collaborative design—that set aspirational goals and create a foundation for understanding our approach." About Us. (2017, April 24). High Tech High. http://www.hightechhigh.org/about-us/

PBLU Apr 24, 2017 This is the landing page for a Buck Institute for Education project called PBLU. It offers rubrics for teachers developing classes, teachers receiving training, and projects for a wide variety of topics and grade levels. PBLU. (2017, April 24). http://pblu.org/projects

In the Media

Project Based Learning on the Rise Under Common Core Katherine Ellison, Louis Freedberg Apr 27, 2015 The project-based learning pedagogy seems ideal for meeting Common Core requirements of learning real-world skills and learning how to work together. The main problem for teachers is the amount of planning required to develop a project capable of meeting the Common Core requirements. Ellison, K., & Freedber, L. (2015, April 27). Project Based Learning on the Rise Under Common Core. Edsource. Retrieved from https://edsource.org/2015/project-based-learning-on-the-rise-under-the-common-core/78851

SIFF Film Dives Deeper into Project Based Learning Leah Todd May 28, 2015 The project-based learning pedagogy seems ideal for meeting Common Core requirements of learning real-world skills and learning how to work together. The main problem for teachers is the amount of planning required to develop a project capable of meeting the Common Core requirements. Todd, L. (2015, May 28). SIFF Film Dives Deeper into Project Based Learning. Seattle Times. Retrieved from http://www.seattletimes.com/education-lab/siff-film-dives-deep-into-project-based-learning/

Q&A Collections: Project-Based Learning (watch on YouTube) Larry Ferlazzo Aug 3, 2015 This page is a collection of links to EdWeek articles about project-based learning. Ferlazzo, L. (2015, August 3). Q&A Collections: Project-Based Learning. EdWeek. Retrieved from http://blogs.edweek.org/teachers/classroom_qa_with_larry_ferlazzo/2015/08/q_a_collections_project-based_learning.html

The Three C's: How Project-Based Learning Improves Collaboration, Creativity, and Critical Thinking Betsy Corcoran, Michelle Spencer Aug 8, 2015 This is a highlight of the panels at the EdSurge California Edtech Summit, provided in audio form. The delivery platform is Soundcloud. Corcoran, B., & Spencer, M. (2015, August 8). The Three C's: How Project-Based Learning Improves Collaboration, Creativity, and Critical Thinking. EdSurge. Retrieved from https://www.edsurge.com/news/2015-08-08-the-three-c-s-how-project-based-learning-improves-collaboration-creativity-and-critical-thinking

Is Project-Based Learning the Way to Go? California Academy of Sciences Aug 11, 2015 In addition to the video containing a story about a Danville, KY school adopting project-based learning, the page also includes general text about the pros and cons of adopting project-based learning. California Academy of Science. (2015, August 11). Is Project-Based Learning the Way to Go? KQED. Retrieved from http://ww2.kqed.org/learning/2015/08/11/is-project-based-learning-the-way-to-go/

Milton Chen on Project-Based Learning Milton Chen, Teaching Channel Apr 25, 2017 Milton Chen, senior fellow at the George Lucas Educational Foundation, provides insights into implementning Project-Based Learning for the Common Core and New Tech Network. This is on of many videos in the Deeper Learning Video Series. Chen, M., & Teaching Channel. (2017, April 25). Milton Chen on Project-Based Learning. Teaching Channel. Retrieved from https://www.teachingchannel.org/videos/about-pbl-ntn

Interviews

Project-Based Learning: Andy Brown Interview (watch on YouTube) David Joyner Jun 6, 2016 David Joyner interviews Andy Brown, Learning Services Manager, about Project-Based Learning. Joyner, D. & Udacity. (2016, June 6). Project-Based Learning: Andy Brown Interview. Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xKxkqzqsePs

Online Courses and Textbooks

The following are a few available online courses, textbooks, and other resources:

Project-Based Learning: Differentiating Instruction for the 21st Century William N. Bender Jan 1, 2012 Bender provides instructional guidance for implementing project-based learning in the classroom. The book is for sale at this site, but there is also a table of contents and preview. Bender, W. N. (2012). Project-based learning: Differentiating instruction for the 21st century. Corwin Press. Retrieved from https://us.sagepub.com/en-us/nam/project-based-learning/book236768

Reinventing Project-Based Learning Suzie Boss, Jane Krauss Jan 1, 2014 This book uses a project as an example of how to bring project-based learning into a classroom. The book must be purchsed to have the complete text, but there is an excerpt and table of contents available. Boss, S., & Krauss, J. (2014). Reinventing project-based learning. Your field guide to real-world projects in the digital age. Retrieved from https://www.iste.org/resources/product?id=3496

Setting the Standard for Project-Based Learning John Larmer, John Mergendoller, Suzie Boss Jan 1, 2015 This book addresses Project-Based Learning for K-12 classrooms. It specificially addresses the Gold Standard PBL of the Buck Institute for Education (BIE). The book is for sale at this site. Larmer, J., Mergendoller, J., & Boss, S. (2015). Setting the standard for project-based learning. ACSD. Retrieved from http://www.bie.org/object/books_others/setting_the_standard_for_project_based_learning

Teaching Techniques: Project-Based Learning Dayna Laur Jun 1, 2015 This is an online course from Lynda. It provides instruction on how to use project-based learning in the classroom. Laur, D. (2015, June 1). Teaching Techniques: Project-Based Learning. Lynda. Retrieved from https://www.lynda.com/Education-Elearning-Classroom-Management-tutorials/Teaching-Fundamentals-Project-Based-Learning/364351-2.html