Project-Based Learning: Benefits, Examples, And Resources

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Project-Based Learning and Project-Based Teaching: A Guide

May 22, 2025

When people ask about project-based learning, they may also ask “what is PBL?” for short. Students who engage in project-based learning are guided by teachers and mentors to develop solutions to real-world challenges through hands-on, collaborative projects.

What is project-based learning?

Project-based learning (PBL) or project-based instruction is an instructional approach designed to give students the opportunity to develop knowledge and skills through engaging projects set around challenges and problems they may face in the real world.

Students who engage in PBL are given voice and choice as they learn about the local, national, and global problems that are meaningful to them. As they do research, students’ discoveries empower them to offer workable solutions in collaboration with others.

Often, schools focus their PBL units on local challenges with tangible impacts. These could include design challenges that can be resolved with math, fiscal recommendations for local leaders, or strategies for community involvement around environmental issues. In all, PBL raises student engagement and achievement across a myriad of communities and subject areas.

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Project-based teaching

As PBL becomes more common, educators note that it shifts learning from teacher-driven to student-centered education. It also prepares students with 21st century skills. In short, project-based teaching empowers students to become active citizens who gain confidence while they tackle real challenges over time.

With its replication of real-world scenarios, project-based teaching helps teachers become coaches and guides while students are empowered to discover that facts can fuel real decision-making and problem-solving. PBL helps educators and students feel empowered to say, “I don’t know, but let’s find out.”

Because project-based learning is filled with active and engaged learning, it inspires students to obtain a deeper knowledge of the subjects they’re studying. Research also indicates that students are more likely to retain the knowledge gained through this approach far more readily than through traditional textbook-centered learning.

Project-Based Learning (PBL) Edutopia

The PBL meaning for schools

Research shows that schools and districts with project-based learning programs are boosting student success. According to a 2023 study, students engaged in PBL had a 25% increase in content mastery. Schools that use PBL also see higher scores on standardized tests.

When students navigate real-world situations, uncover challenges, and offer solutions, they are also gaining valid experiences that will help them in the future. Through PBL, they learn about finding reliable resources and enacting solutions—all of which demonstrates the true PBL meaning for schools.

PBL Project Examples

Project-based learning projects

Some successful project-based learning projects are shown below, but schools should keep in mind that the options are endless. The best projects are always the ones that students feel most interested and invested in.

• Design a Sustainable City: Students collaborate to create models of eco-friendly cities, incorporating elements like green spaces and efficient transportation systems. This STEM challenge can delve into mathematics, science, and more.
• Historical Documentary: Students research a historical event and produce a short video documentary, developing skills in research, scriptwriting, and video editing.
• Home Design Challenge: Students act as contractors to design floor plans for clients, applying knowledge of area, perimeter, and budgeting. They can use tools like SketchUp to create designs.
• Bridge Building: Students design and construct model bridges, testing them for strength and efficiency, integrating principles of physics and engineering.
• 20Time Project: Students dedicate 20% of their class time to explore a passion project, culminating in a TED Talk-style presentation.
• Curation Project: Students create a curated collection (like a bento box) of media or artifacts that connect to a theme or topic studied, fostering analytical and creative skills.
• Design a Board Game: Students can build a board game that teaches a concept from your school’s curricula. The game could be about historical events, insect life cycles, budgeting, postsecondary planning, genres of art or literature, and more. A board game allows students to merge creativity with subject matter knowledge.

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Why project-based learning?

Our PBL tools are built to support learning for our project-based world. PowerSchool’s solutions help teachers and students collaborate, share work, and stay engaged. Teachers can streamline planning with digital curriculum maps, create assignments quickly using AI, and track progress in real-time.

For students, our PBL tools go beyond academics to promote engagement and support positive behavior. By exposing students to real scenarios, collaboration opportunities, and reflection practices, we’re enabling lasting behavior changes and preparing students with 21st century skills like critical thinking and teamwork.

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Whether you need effective PBL project examples or tools to streamline your Project-Based Teaching strategy, PowerSchool offers the resources that help your students thrive.

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