Projects vs Project-based Learning

by Lili Mariah

Projects vs Project-based Learning

Multiple Choice

When the focus is towards the end-product and less on the step-by-step process of creating the product, this is

• Project

• Project-based learning

Poll

One of the key features of a dynamic lesson is student voice or choice. How often do you allow your students to choose the outcome of their learning?

• Never

• Rarely

• Sometimes

• Most of the time

​Some ideas...

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Open Ended

Watch the video and think how you would design an AUTHENTIC assessment for learning (AfL) for YOUR SUBJECT/FIELD.

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​Let's test your understanding

Multiple Choice

In a high school math class, students are asked to do research on a famous mathematician and make a presentation about him or her.

• "Main Course" PBL

• "Dessert" Project

HERE'S WHY:

​

The assignment doesn’t teach essential math content. It’s peripheral, rather than central to the curriculum and instruction for the course.​

Multiple Choice

After a two-week unit on the history of the 1960s that ended with a test, students spend two days staging a mock protest and hippie gathering, with costumes, props, and music.

• "Dessert" Project

• "Main Course" PBL

​HERE'S WHY:

​

The two-day event came after students had studied the history of the 1960s. It was not the reason WHY students studied it.

Multiple Choice

Students consider the driving question, “Why did civilizations fall from their Golden Ages, and what lessons can we learn from what happened?” as they research various ancient civilizations and create museum exhibits to share their answers.

• "Dessert" Project

• "Main Course" PBL

​HERE'S WHY:

​

This project is focused on a complex question with no single right answer. It requires critical thinking

Multiple Choice

Students make posters at home to illustrate ways to save water and energy, and put them up on the walls of the classroom.

• "Main Course" PBL

• "Dessert" Project

​HERE'S WHY:

​

Students are not collaborating to complete the project, and it is unclear if there is an authentic context. Their results are not being shared outside of the classroom.

Multiple Choice

Students investigate how waste in local waterways contributes to the problem of plastic in the ocean. They propose solutions to the problem and present them to city officials.

• "Dessert" Project

• "Main Course" PBL

HERE'S WHY:

​

The project has an authentic purpose and a clear audience outside of the classroom. Instruction and learning of important science content is integrated into the project.

Draw

You are required to conduct Project-based Learning for your lesson in 2022 onwards. How do you feel?

​Resources:

​

​https://www.pblworks.org/doing-project-vs-project-based-learning

​https://www.teachthought.com/tag/project-based-learning/

​​https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rQPCk27tM4U

​http://files.ascd.org/pdfs/onlinelearning/webinars/webinar-handout1-10-8-2012.pdf