Project-Based Learning

What is project-based learning?

Project-based learning is a teaching method in which students learn by actively participating in real-world projects over an extended period of time. Students learn critical thinking and project management skills by responding to authentic, engaging, and complex questions and challenges. A project-based learning assignment typically culminates in a public product or presentation for a real audience.

Example: Our high school has a project-based learning program in which students work directly with local organizations to tackle real-world problems. 

Feedback is a critical piece of the project-based learning experience. Instructors and peers share their critiques throughout the process, after which follows a period of revision. 

Project-based learning in the workplace

Organizations use project-based learning as a collaborative practice to help teams come up with creative solutions to real organizational challenges. A marketing team, for instance, could use project-based learning to carry out a long-term analysis of social media reach. Team members direct their own learning and research over the course of a week, month, or quarter, and then present their findings. 

Organizations also use project-based learning as a way to bring authenticity to workplace training. Trainees are put into teams and presented with a real-world problem—one relevant to their daily workflow—and given wide latitude to find a solution. This is especially effective in helping newly-hired remote and in-person teams build soft skills like communication, teamwork, critical thinking, and problem-solving by working on a common goal.