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Project-Based Learning Environments
Project-based learning is an instructional model that provides learners with engaging tasks related to their context in which concepts extracted
from diverse academic subjects are represented thereby requiring learners to provide practical solutions to problems (Capraro, Capraro & Morgan,
2013). It is a teacher facilitated, student-driven approach which results in a range of learning outcomes with the base of it being inquiry processes
and collaboration both of which are critical for success in the twenty-first century (Markham, Larmer & Ravitz, 2003; Bell, 2010). PBL has also been
described as the “identification of suitable projects and integration into a curricular unit.” (Powers & DeWaters, 2004, p. 2), therefore the bridging
of diverse subjects into the selected projects that addresses a stimulating question is essential. Furthermore, PBL focuses on the identification of a
well-defined outcome, in order to incorporate comprehensive planned assessments that integrate formative feedback and numerous evaluations of
subject content and related skills. The five key factors which are incorporated in the planning and implementation of the project-based learning
approach are illustrated in Figure 1:
Figure 1: Five keys to rigorous PBL (5 Keys to Rigorous Project-Based Learning, 2014)
PBL encourages problem-solving and higher order thinking skills which in return induces increased content learning. In the process, the teacher
designs tasks that stimulate questioning, exploration, and convergent thinking in order to produce multiple solutions in engaging contexts core to
learning, while keeping instruction to a minimum in order to encourage student contributions (Capraro, Capraro & Morgan, 2013). Such learning
environments encourage critical and analytical thinking since students are required to explain their solutions in order to justify its appropriateness
to the criteria set in the PBL. Furthermore, convergent solutions appear in the process as well as multiple solutions as students develop the
knowledge while reflecting on the strengths and limitations of their solutions. The process and tools of PBL can be employed by a single teacher
performing in the classroom; however influential projects result from the collaboration of multidisciplinary school teams that incorporate two or
more subjects in the process (Markham, 2011).
Project-based learning is considered a dynamic educational approach that encompasses diverse and unique learners. Numerous longitudinal
research reports and studies in learning academic subjects, and more specifically mathematics, showed that participating in PBL instruction
advanced student achievement and benefit more specifically low performing, at-risk students (Capraro, Capraro & Morgan, 2013; Han, Capraro &
Capraro, 2015; Holmes & Hwang, 2016). Thomas (2000) states the effectiveness of this method in diverse contexts and settings, and more
precisely in low-income and under-performing students. In another report which measured subject proficiency in science, result findings displayed
that students instructed through PBL outscored their peers whom were taught through direct textbook instruction (Geier et al., 2008). Moreover,
studies reported that students participating in PBL become engaged self-directed learners who are able to transfer their learning to new situations
compared to other learners whom receive traditional textbook instruction. In fact, students using interdisciplinary PBL real-life skills are able to see
the application of learned concepts rather than viewing the curriculum as a set of impractical isolated ideas and theories (Boaler, 1999).
STEM Project-Based Learning
Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) project-based learning is the implementation of complex projects integrated into the
curriculum content while including engineering design elements (Capraro, Capraro & Morgan, 2013). The insertion of such design principles
stimulates a real-world sense into the learning process as it simulates real-life professions and provides the needed experiences required in order
for learners to make meaningful associations between school learning and post-school practices. In this approach, STEM subjects are not
considered detached themes, but rather interdependent as knowledge and proficiency is built through the interaction of each subject as well as
across all disciplinary subjects. Furthermore, STEM concepts can be infused into other disciplines such as language arts and social studies as most
projects include a reading and writing element by nature as inquiries originate from social conditions.
An example for a real-life project that can be implemented is the design of a modern house that consumes 10% less energy (electricity, natural
gas and water). This project aims to inform students on how to design and construct a model home, while the final products to be assessed
include blueprints and predicted costs for both building and furnishing the house. Project-based learning focuses on both the expected end-
product in addition to the learning experience within the process. Lenschow (1998) affirmed the significance of selecting real-life projects which
lessen the gap between real-life and educational learning environments. Figure 2 attempts to determine the possible skills to be covered in the
previous PBL scheme:
Figure 2: Interdisciplinary House Model PBL Concept Map
This project allows students to develop the knowledge and skills required to understand STEM concepts and incorporate an engineering design
methodology. For example, in science it will help comprehend the key concepts of renewable and non-renewable resources conservation. In
technology, it assists to inform on existing technologies on energy consumption, while for mathematics it provides adequate practice for
mathematical concepts through the use of rates symbols, diagrams and graphs.
Interdisciplinary STEM PBL is also considered an essential to building STEM literacy which is considered now an important educational outcome for
students. Zollman (2012) advocates the integration of curricular areas when learning within the classroom to promote analysis and deep
comprehension and stated that it should be viewed as a “meta-discipline”. One research reported that the integration of mathematics and science
may also lead to advancement in students’ achievements and greater interest in the subject areas (Stinson et al, 2009). Another study stated that
students who participated in interdisciplinary STEM PBL expressed it helped them better understand the concepts and phenomena surrounding
them (Fulton & Britton, 2011).
References
Bell, S. (2010) Project-Based Learning for the 21st Century: Skills for the Future. The Clearing House: A Journal of Educational Strategies, Issues
and Ideas, 83 (2), 39–43.
Capraro, M.M., Capraro, R.M., Etchells, M.J. & Whitfield, J. (2016) A Companion to Interdisciplinary STEM Project-Based Learning for Educators by
Educators. Rotterdam: Sense Publishers.
Capraro, R., Capraro, M. & Morgan, J. (2013) STEM Project-Based Learning: An Integrated Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics
(STEM) Approach. Rotterdam: Sense Publishers.
Fulton, K., & Britton, T. (2011) STEM teachers in professional learning communities: from good teachers to great teaching. Washington, DC:
National Commission on Teaching and America’s Future.