Skip to main content
Rutgers University
Center for Mathematics, Science,
and Computer Education
CMSCE
Visit Rutgers.edu | Continuing Studies

Main navigation

  • About
    • Directory
    • Our Projects
    • Contact
  • PD for teachers
  • District PD
    • Mathematics
    • Science
    • Technology
    • Climate Change
    • Graduate Certificate in Maker Education
      • Certificate Details
    • Graduate Certificate in Maker Education for Non-Credit
    • NextGen Science
    • Project Based Learning
    • Student Summer Camps
  • Publications

Visit Rutgers.edu | Continuing Studies

Project Based Learning

Breadcrumb

  1. Home
  2. Programs & Resources

Engineering Design (PBL)

EDP Blendspace: 

K-12 Engineering Design Resources

  • Curiosity Machine
  • Try Engineering
  • Teach Engineering
  • Design Squad
  • The Tech
  • Discover E
  • Intel Design & Discovery
  • EiE Free Engineering Resources and Activities 
For Real World Ideas:
  • Engineers without Borders
  • Grand Challenges for Engineering
  • The Why Files
  • TED talks
D.School Model
  • David Kelly Ideo Video
  • Wallet Design Challenge
  • Design Process Mini Guide
  • Tedx School Idea
More Resources
  • D.School Crash Course in Design Thinking
  • Building Creative Confidence
  • Dawna’s Pinterest Design Thinking Board

Big Ideas

There are so many amazing ideas for PBL units. Here are some driving questions.

  • How do stories from the past define who we are today?
  • What new monument or museum should be built in our city to enhance the lives of our citizens and visitors?
  • How can we create a more sustainable and efficient modern ecosystem?
  • How can we create "farm to table" at our school during the winter months?
  • How can we build community through art?
  • How can we make getting around in the winter more safe and convenient?
  • How can we prevent E. coli from entering our swimming areas?
  • In what ways can I change the injustices I witness?
  • What's the fastest and cheapest way for me to get to school on time?
     

A World of Project Ideas

To Help Brainstorm Big Ideas Visit These Sites:

  • TED talks

PBL Resources

Introduction To PBL Videos
  • PBL Explained, BIE
  • EdTech
  • PBL @ High Tech High
 
Best PBL Sites
  • Buck Institute for Education (BIE): Project-Based Learning for the 21st Century
  • Edutopia: Project Based Learning
Why PBL?
  • This is what happens when a kids leave traditional education
  • Future Learning
  • Do Schools Kill Creativity
  • What 60 Schools Can Tell Us About Teaching
  • Drive by Daniel Pink
  • The Key to Success? Grit

Problem - PBL

Based on the article: Project-Based Learning vs. Problem-Based Learning vs. X-BL by John Larmer, Editor in Chief at the Buck Institute for Education on Edutopia

Read full Article about Project-Based Learning vs. Problem-Based Learning vs. X-BL

Problem-Based Learning Vs. Project-Based Learning

Because they have the same acronym, we get a lot of questions about the similarities and differences between the two PBLs. We even had questions ourselves -- some years ago we created units for high school economics and government that we called "problem-based." But we later changed the name to "Project-Based Economics" and "Project-Based Government" to eliminate confusion about which PBL it was.

We decided to call problem-based learning a subset of project-based learning -- that is, one of the ways a teacher could frame a project is "to solve a problem." But problem-BL does have its own history and set of typically-followed procedures, which are more formally observed than in other types of projects. The use of case studies and simulations as "problems" dates back to medical schools in the 1960s, and problem-BL is still more often seen in the post-secondary world than in K-12, where project-BL is more common.

Problem-based learning typically follow prescribed steps:
  1. Presentation of an "ill-structured" (open-ended, "messy") problem
  2. Problem definition or formulation (the problem statement)
  3. Generation of a "knowledge inventory" (a list of "what we know about the problem" and "what we need to know")
  4. Generation of possible solutions
  5. Formulation of learning issues for self-directed and coached learning
  6. Sharing of findings and solutions

If you're a project-BL teacher, this probably looks pretty familiar, even though the process goes by different names. Other than the framing and the more formalized steps in problem-BL, there's really not much conceptual difference between the two PBLs -- it’s more a question of style and scope:

Project Based Learning vs. Problem Based Learning
Similarities
Both PBLs:
  • Focus on an open-ended question or task
  • Provide authentic applications of content and skills
  • Build 21st Century Success skills
  • Emphasize student independence and inquiry
  • Are longer and more multifaceted than traditional lessons or assignments
Differences
Project Based learning Problem Based Learning
Often multi-subject More often single-subject, but can be multi-subject
May be lengthy (weeks or months) Tend to be shorter, but can be lengthy
Follows general, variously-named steps Classically follows specific, tranditionally prescribed steps
Includes the creation of a product or performance The "product" may be tangible OR a proposed solution, expressed in writing or in a presentation
May use scenarios but often involves real-world, fully authentic tasks and settings Often uses case studies or fictitious scenarios as "ill-structured problems"
More Articles:
  • Education World
  • ETC Journal
  • Teacher Pages
Engineering Design (PBL)
Big Ideas
PBL Resources
Problem - PBL
Center for Mathematics, Science, and Computer Education
| 3 Rutgers Plaza, 2nd floor New Brunswick, NJ 08901
FaceBook Twitter Pinterest
  • Rutgers.edu
  • New Brunswick
  • RBHS
  • Newark
  • Camden
  • Statewide
  • Online
  • Rutgers Health
  • Rutgers Search
Copyright © 2023, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, an equal access/equal opportunity institution. Privacy Policy Contact Webmaster
Accessibility

Rutgers is an equal access/equal opportunity institution. Individuals with disabilities are encouraged to direct suggestions, comments, or complaints concerning any accessibility issues with Rutgers web sites to accessibility@rutgers.edu or complete the Report Accessibility Barrier or Provide Feedback Form