Explore Edutopia's curated compilation of online resources for understanding and beginning to implement project-based learning.
Originally Published: January 3, 2014 | Updated: January 13, 2015
Just getting started with project-based learning (PBL)? Our curated list of resources for educators new to PBL should help you. Before you get started, be sure to check out Edutopia's PBL page, including information about the research behind effective PBL practices. You can also connect with Edutopia's community to learn and share PBL tips.
PBL Defined and Clarified
- Dispelling Misunderstandings about PBL, by Andrew Miller (SmartBlog on Education, 2013)
Miller dispels myths about PBL and offers explanations to clear up these misunderstandings.
- Debunking Five Myths About Project-Based Learning, by John Larmer (Edutopia, 2011)
Larmer from the Buck Institute of Education (BIE) debunks some common misperceptions about PBL.
- Project Based Learning vs. Problem Based Learning vs. XBL, by John Larmer (BIE, 2013)
Need help clarifying all the different XBLs out there? Larmer helps you understand various XBLs and includes a timely and clear exploration of the differences between project-based learning and problem-based learning.
- What Should "Gold Standard" PBL Include? by Suzie Boss (Edutopia, 2014)
Find out why a gold standard in PBL is necessary and how teachers, school leaders, and others can contribute to the conversation around its development.
- What's the Difference Between Doing Projects and Project-Based Learning? (Fried Technology, 2012)
This blog, from Amy Mayer's Fried Technology, explains the difference between traditional projects and PBL and includes a handy chart to help teachers compare and contrast specific pieces to ensure they are truly doing PBL.
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Fundamentals, Examples, and Terminology
- Brief Guide to Vocabulary for Project Based Learning (Fried Technology, 2013)
This useful reference, from Fried Technology, is a glossary to the key terms and concepts for PBL.
- My PBL Pet Peeves: 4 Common Misconceptions, by Andrew Miller (Edutopia, 2014)
Miller firmly addresses some common misunderstandings about PBL, including the ideas that projects are lessons and the public audience can be random.
- Project Based Learning: Explained (Buck Institute for Education, 2012)
A great introduction to PBL, this animated video by Common Craft was created for BIE to serve as a primer to the essential elements of PBL and also includes a sample PBL project.
- Eight Essential Elements of Project Based Learning (Education World, 2012)
This article from Education World, originally published in the TCEA quarterly journal, goes over eight essential elements for PBL and highlights an implemented sample project, including the driving questions, significant content, voice and choice, and public audience for the project. This is a great article for a new teacher looking to examine a specific project example.
- High Tech High's Teacher's Guide to PBL, by Dayna Laur (Innovation Unit, 2012)
This is a comprehensive guide for teachers on how to build out a PBL project, focused on the High Tech High model for PBL. The guide focuses on key tenets of PBL such as critique and exhibition and also includes sample projects to inspire you.
- Picturing the Possibilities - Project Based Learning (CESNW, 2006)
This introductory video to PBL includes sample projects and interviews with teachers and students.
- STEM MI Champions: Leading Project-Based Learning (STEM MI Champions, 2010)
This database of PBL projects from teachers in Michigan includes examples of elementary, middle and high school units and mini-units.
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Tips From Teachers and Experts
- Getting Started With Project-Based Learning (Hint: Don’t Go Crazy), by Andrew Miller (Edutopia, 2012)
New to project-based learning? Miller eases you into the approach with four suggestions to help you stay sane and begin mastering PBL.
- PBL: Jumping in Headfirst, by Matt Weyers (Edutopia, 2014)
Join two middle school teachers in their first post of a year-long series about implementing a PBL pilot program in their fifth grade classroom.
- A World of Project Ideas (You Can Steal), by Suzie Boss (Edutopia, 2014)
To get off to a flying start planning this summer, borrow good project ideas from other teachers and adapt them to fit your context.
- Getting Into the PBL Groove, by Andrew Miller (Edutopia, 2014)
Miller gives advice on how to create the culture for PBL at the start of the school year, including building question and collaboration skills and practicing critiquing and revising work.
- Start the Year With a Project…or Wait? (Buck Institute for Education, 2013)
Considering launching your school year with a project? This blog from BIE explores some ideas to consider, including ideas for building classroom culture before or during your first PBL project effort.
- Avoid the Flop: 5 Questions to Guide Projects and Inquiry, by Joshua Block (Edutopia, 2014)
To be an effective guide on the side, plan for every aspect of the project while remaining open to student ideas, needs, and understanding.
- The Best Advice On Doing Project-Based Learning, by Larry Ferlazzo (Education Week, 2013)
From Education Week, this blog includes tips from PBL expert Ferlazzo on how to do PBL.
- The Hattie Effect: What's Essential for Effective PBL?, by Suzie Boss (Edutopia, 2014)
Boss draws on critical research from John Hattie to give expert advice on what is essential for effective projects including assessment and design practices.
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Bookmark this page to reference it for updates. Do you know of other useful resources, or are there other types of resources you'd like to see included on this page? Please share your feedback in the comments.