Research
The BIE research library provides access to PBL-related studies and summaries of research that has been conducted.
We have collected a series of research summaries, full papers, and presentation materials. These provide evidence for PBL effectiveness and provide knowledge of effective PBL practices.
The site is organized into three main sections:
- Synthesis : summaries of research conducted across multiple sites or multiple studies.
- Outcomes : research that can range from improved attitudes to standardized test scores.
- Practices : differences in use of PBL, including tools and professional development designed to improve teaching and learning.
We are also provide some links to studies of technology use and 21st century skills.
Does PBL Work?
There is forty years of accumulated evidence that the instructional strategies and procedures that make up standards-focused Project Based Learning… more...
Meta-Analyses of PBL Outcomes
One type of PBL Outcomes research involves combining the results of many studies into one meta-analysis. The following articles from… more...
West Virginia Study of PBL Impacts on 21st Century Skills Teaching and Student Achievement
From 2008 to 2010, project-based learning (PBL) was a major focus of the Teacher Leadership Institute (TLI), undertaken by the… more...
Using PBL to Teach 21st Century Skills: Findings from a Statewide Initiative in West Virginia
In 2008, the West Virginia Department of Education launched a major initiative to provide teachers with professional development in PBL.… more...
Experimental Study of BIE Project Based Economics Units
A study, conducted by WestEd's Regional Educational Laboratory West (REL West), addresses the following key research questions: Does PBE increase… more...
Evidence of PBL Effectiveness in Closing the Achievement Gap: Boaler (2002) Math Study
This remarkable article is full of insights about what it takes to make PBL and related reform practices work in… more...
National Survey of PBL and High School Reform
Collected articles from BIE's 2007 national survey, with data from approximately 400 academic high school teachers who used PBL in… more...
Research Summary of PBL Studies from Edutopia
As of December 2012 Edutopia has an updated PBL Research Summary that concludes: "Studies have proven that when implemented well,… more...
Summary of Research on Project Based Learning
This June 2009 literature review from the Center of Excellence in Leadership of Learning (CELL) at University of Indianapolis concludes:… more...
Powerful Learning: Studies Show Deep Understanding Derives from Collaborative Methods
A review of research on the most effective K-12 teaching practices from two of the coauthors of Powerful Learning: What… more...
