Why Project-Based Learning Outperforms Traditional Instruction

Research shows that PBL can lead to better outcomes for many students—here are 5 reasons why it works.

Learn more about PBL on Edutopia.org: https://www.edutopia.org/project-based-learning

See the research cited in the video:

* Saavedra et al.’s 2021 Knowledge in Action efficacy study on how PBL can improve AP pass rates: https://cesr.usc.edu/KIA_publications

* Krajcik et al.’s 2020 study on project-based learning in elementary science classrooms: https://mlpbl.open3d.science/techreport

* Recommendations from the National Commission on Social, Emotional & Academic Development, 2019: http://nationathope.org/wp-content/uploads/2018_aspen_final-report_full_webversion.pdf

* Murre & Dros’ 2015 study about learning and memory retention: https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0120644

* Linda Darling-Hammond et al.’s 2019 study, Implications for Educational Practice of the Science of Learning and Development: https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/10888691.2018.1537791

* The National Academies of Sciences’ 2019 consensus study report on Science and Engineering for Grades 6-12: https://www.nap.edu/catalog/25216/science-and-engineering-for-grades-6-12-investigation-and-design

* Yeager et al.’s 2014 study on how purpose for learning fosters academic self-regulation: https://www.perts.net/static/documents/yeager_2014.pdf

* Noguera, Darling-Hammond & Friedlaender’s 2015 Equal Opportunity for Deeper Learning study: https://files.eric.ed.gov/fulltext/ED560802.pdf

Curriculum development and research on the first two programs mentioned—Knowledge in Action and Multiple Literacies in Project-Based Learning (ML-PBL)—was funded by Lucas Education Research (https://www.lucasedresearch.org/), Edutopia’s sister division, from the George Lucas Educational Foundation.