pros & cons of pbl

Pros:

(a) has a positive effect on student content knowledge and the development of skills such as critical thinking, problem solving, and collaboration; 

(b) benefits students by increasing their motivation and engagement; and

(c) is challenging for teachers to implement, leading to the conclusion that teachers need professional development, school and district support, and opportunities to collaborate in order to plan and enact PBL 

effectively while students need support including help setting up and directing initial inquiry, 

organizing their time to complete tasks, and integrating technology into projects in meaningful 

ways. 

Cons:

(a)projects were time-consuming, 

(b) classrooms felt disorderly, 

(c) teachers could not control the flow of information, 

(d) it was difficult to balance giving students independence and providing them supports, 

(e) it was difficult to incorporate technology as a cognitive tool, and 

(f) authentic assessments were hard to design.

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definitions

What researchers are saying:
Abstract: Project-Based Learning (PBL) is an innovative approach to learning that teaches a multitude of strategies critical for success in the twenty-first century. Students drive their own learning through inquiry, as well as work collaboratively to research and create projects that reflect their knowledge. From gleaning new, viable technology skills, to becoming proficient communicators and advanced problem solvers, students benefit from this approach to instruction. Find full text here


What the Buck Institute of Education is saying:

What the WWW says: 
" Project-Based Learning is an individual or group activity that goes on over a period of time, resulting in a product, presentation, or performance." 
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