Abstract
Project-based learning is here to stay and is being integrated into more colleges and universities. Some research on the benefits of project-based learning has been conducted, and other research has been done demonstrating that this form of education will not benefit all students. Research on whether technology should be a form of project-based learning has also been conducted, and the new role that project-based learning will create for teachers has been examined. Project-based learning research is also being conducted on a smaller scale with teachers, and it will change the way professional development is delivered to educators. Despite all the new knowledge that has been gained, more research is required on this educational phenomenon. This chapter describes some of the current data available on project-based learning concerning both students and teachers.
TopResearch Studies
There have been numerous research studies conducted on the topic of PBL. Some have researched the advantages and disadvantages of PBL in comparison to the traditional classroom learning environment. Others have looked at a variety of models that can be incorporated into a PBL program. Still others have looked at how teachers can use PBL to gain knowledge for professional development. Regardless of the focus of the research, it is imperative that research is conducted so that the best research-based approaches can be discovered and incorporated in college classrooms and online in order to give the student the very best educational opportunity possible. Below are highlights of numerous studies that were reviewed because of their examination of PBL. Also included are these researchers’ suggestions for further study.
Key Terms in this Chapter
Instructional Strategies: Research-based methods for instructing students.
Motivation: Acting or behaving a specific way based on outside factors such as competition or collaboration to accomplish a certain result.
Technology: Electronic resources, such as a handheld electronic device or a computer, a student uses to gain access to the information needed to complete the PL assignment.
Teaching Models: Research-based strategy that has been used in multiple classrooms and proven over time to improve student academic success.
Stakeholders: Community members, teachers, students, or anyone who has a personal stake in the school’s educational outcomes.
Teacher Preparation: Professional development courses or classes offered to teachers to assist them with learning about PL.
Learning Choices: Allowing students to determine how and what they want to learn based on the state academic standards.
Empirical Research: Studies based on observations instead of theory or beliefs.