Project Based Learning vs. Just Doing Projects

Project Based Learning vs. Just doing Projects

In the tutorial What is PBL? by New Tech Network, the differences between Project Based Learning (PBL) and just doing Projects are clearly explained. PBL is a way to integrate projects into the learning process and not to leave them as a separate part at the end of a Unit.  PBL make students be the owners of their own learning process with the guide and support of their teacher, it focuses in content but also in skills. While doing PBLs students are engaged in their own learning, they have a clear rubric, clear boundaries, and are exposed to resources so they can wisely choose what they need in order to achieve their goal. PBL is a more holistic way of teaching and learning focused in the integration of projects into students reality. It is opposed to the traditional “just doing projects”, where students may not find a connections with their own lives, they do not internalize it, in PBL they do!       
A good example of a school that successfully works with PBL, is shown in this video.                               PA2b