Project-Based Learning (PBL) is currently one of the big buzz words in education. To some it is like a "magical wand” that transforms everything and turns dull classes into rich and deep learning experiences. Others think that PBL is just a waste of time and that the return on investment is not worth trying. In order to give you a better understanding of this pedagogical approach, I will (1) define what Project-Based Learning is, (2) what it is not, (3) what scientific research tells us when it works and when it does not work, (4) which educational challenges teachers and students have to face when using PBL in classes and (5) which theories of learning & teaching help us explain and understand why and how PBL works. Finally, I will give you a very personal account of PBL based on my teaching experiences in a higher education setting.

1. University of Luxembourg
Robert A.P. REUTER & Gilbert BUSANA
Institute for Applied Educational Sciences
Project Based Learning - ATeaser
Tackling lack of pupil motivation, risk of school dropout and low basic skill
achievement through (European) projects.
Luxembourg, Friday 29th May 2015 - eTwinning Contact Seminar

2. (1) What is PBL?
(2) What is PBL not?
(3) When does PBL work and when does PBL not work?
(4) Which educational challenges teachers and students have to face
when using PBL in classes?
(5) Which theories of learning & teaching help us explain and understand
why and how PBL works?
Grounded in very personal accounts of PBL, based on teaching
experiences in a higher education setting
Project Based Learning - A Teaser
Robert A.P. REUTER & Gilbert BUSANA - 29/05/2015

3. PBL - big buzz word
Project Based Learning - A Teaser
Robert A.P. REUTER & Gilbert BUSANA - 29/05/2015
Transforms
everything
Dull classes =>
rich and deep
learning
A waste of
time
Low return on
investment

4. Project Based Learning - A Teaser
Robert A.P. REUTER & Gilbert BUSANA - 29/05/2015
What is PBL?

5. Project Based Learning - A Teaser
Robert A.P. REUTER & Gilbert BUSANA - 29/05/2015
What is PBL?
EDUTOPIA: An Introduction to Project-Based Learning
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dFySmS9_y_0

6. Project Based Learning - A Teaser
Robert A.P. REUTER & Gilbert BUSANA - 29/05/2015
Buck Institute for Education: Project Based Learning: Explained
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LMCZvGesRz8

7. Project Based Learning - A Teaser
Robert A.P. REUTER & Gilbert BUSANA - 29/05/2015
“Project-based learning is a
dynamic classroom approach in
which students actively explore
real-world problems and challenges
and acquire a deeper knowledge.”
http://www.edutopia.org/
project-based-learning

8. Project Based Learning - A Teaser
Robert A.P. REUTER & Gilbert BUSANA - 29/05/2015
Some impressions
from our teacher training programme

9. Project Based Learning - A Teaser
Robert A.P. REUTER & Gilbert BUSANA - 29/05/2015

10. Project Based Learning - A Teaser
Robert A.P. REUTER & Gilbert BUSANA - 29/05/2015

11. Project Based Learning - A Teaser
Robert A.P. REUTER & Gilbert BUSANA - 29/05/2015

12. Project Based Learning - A Teaser
Robert A.P. REUTER & Gilbert BUSANA - 29/05/2015

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Robert A.P. REUTER & Gilbert BUSANA - 29/05/2015

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Robert A.P. REUTER & Gilbert BUSANA - 29/05/2015

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Robert A.P. REUTER & Gilbert BUSANA - 29/05/2015

16. Project Based Learning - A Teaser
Robert A.P. REUTER & Gilbert BUSANA - 29/05/2015

17. Project Based Learning - A Teaser
Robert A.P. REUTER & Gilbert BUSANA - 29/05/2015
What is PBL not?

18. Project Based Learning - A Teaser
Robert A.P. REUTER & Gilbert BUSANA - 29/05/2015
What is PBL not?

19. Project Based Learning - A Teaser
Robert A.P. REUTER & Gilbert BUSANA - 29/05/2015
What is PBL not?
What Project Based Learning Isn’t by Jeff Robin, art teacher at High Tech High
http://linkis.com/eeH7I

20. Project Based Learning - A Teaser
Robert A.P. REUTER & Gilbert BUSANA - 29/05/2015
What is PBL not?

21. Project Based Learning - A Teaser
Robert A.P. REUTER & Gilbert BUSANA - 29/05/2015
When does PBL work?

22. Project Based Learning - A Teaser
Robert A.P. REUTER & Gilbert BUSANA - 29/05/2015
When does PBL work?
Correctly understood by teachers
Correctly implemented
Aware of the results to expect
Authentic projects
Empowered students
Tools available
Collaboration
End products are valued
Teachers can “stand back”
Evaluation Criteria
“Knowledge sources”High Expectations
Make Quality Criteria Explicit
Established Culture
TRUST!
Interdisciplinary
Complex Questions

23. Project Based Learning - A Teaser
Robert A.P. REUTER & Gilbert BUSANA - 29/05/2015
When does PBL work?
EDUTOPIA: Five Keys to Rigorous Project-Based Learning
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dFySmS9_y_0

24. Project Based Learning - A Teaser
Robert A.P. REUTER & Gilbert BUSANA - 29/05/2015
When does PBL not work?

25. Project Based Learning - A Teaser
Robert A.P. REUTER & Gilbert BUSANA - 29/05/2015
When does PBL not work?
Wrong expectations
Not enough time
Free riders
Tasks that allow
for jigsaw strategies
Too much guidance
by teachers
Pushing too much towards
a perfect end productInadequate evaluation tools
Lack of collaboration
reduces effects
“just for fun”
Insufficient understand
of the concept
Lack of support from
school admins/colleagues
Contradictions
with curriculum
MISTRUST
Lack of knowledge
no references
to existing knowledge
“Cheating”: mere copy-paste

26. Project Based Learning - A Teaser
Robert A.P. REUTER & Gilbert BUSANA - 29/05/2015
What are the challenges?

27. Project Based Learning - A Teaser
Robert A.P. REUTER & Gilbert BUSANA - 29/05/2015
What are the challenges?
Think about Evaluation Criteria!
Establish a PBL Culture in your Classroom
Encourage Students to collaborate
Have enough time!
Start small! Scale up later!
Invite
external “visitors”
Exchange your experiences
with other PBL teachers
Find the resources and tools
to enable PBL
Don’t feel bad about
the inherent unpredictability
Prepare to change
your role as a teacher
Keep up High Expectations
Matching Curriculum:
Learning to Learn vs. Fixed Content
PLAGIARISM!
Balanced Scaffolding
Take your time!
Be ready to learn, unlearn, relearn

28. Project Based Learning - A Teaser
Robert A.P. REUTER & Gilbert BUSANA - 29/05/2015
How can we understand PBL?

29. Project Based Learning - A Teaser
Robert A.P. REUTER & Gilbert BUSANA - 29/05/2015
How can we understand PBL?
(Intrinsic) Motivation
Hands-on Experiences
Co-Construction of Knowledge
Meaningful Knowledge & Skills
Knowledge & Skills in the here-and-now
Frustration = Part of Learning & Development
Not all students come “prepared”
Learning = Doing
Learning = Emotions
Learning = Social
Trust in yourself
Self-efficacy feeling Authentic Audiences

30. Project Based Learning - A Teaser
Robert A.P. REUTER & Gilbert BUSANA - 29/05/2015teacher-centredversusstudent-centredbeliefs(Limetal,2008)

31. Project Based Learning - A Teaser
Robert A.P. REUTER & Gilbert BUSANA - 29/05/2015
How can we understand PBL?
Filling vessels
Kindling flames

32. Project Based Learning - A Teaser
Robert A.P. REUTER & Gilbert BUSANA - 29/05/2015
Try it! It’s a rewarding
experience. Your students
might surprise you!

33. Project Based Learning - A Teaser
Robert A.P. REUTER & Gilbert BUSANA - 29/05/2015
Thank you for
your attention!