Studies Validate Project-Based Learning

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Compiled by the staff of Edutopia (2001)

This web page created by Edutopia staff in 2001 defined PBL as

"an authentic form of education that expects students to immerse themselves in a topic and meaningfully demonstrate acquisition of skills and knowledge."

After reviewing the research literature, they provided synopses of nine (9) different studies. Taken together, the authors conclude that there is evidence for the effectiveness of PBL, particularly when technology is integrated into the projects in a meaningful way.

"a growing body of academic research supports the use of project-based learning in schools as a way to engage students, cut absenteeism, boost cooperative learning skills, and improve test scores. Those benefits are enhanced when technology is used in a meaningful way in the projects."

The listed projects include:

British Math Study by Boaler (1997)
Challenge 2000, by SRI International [Abstract] [Report]
Research from Cognition and Technology Group at Vanderbilt (1992) [Abstract]
Co-Nect Schools study, by the Center for Research in Educational Policy (1999) [Abstract]
Does it Compute study of NAEP data by Weglinsky, 1996
Expeditionary Learning Outward Bound study [Related report]
Laptop study by Rockman, et al. (1998)
Study of Successful school restructuring study by University of Wisconsin-Madison (1990 and 1995) [Abstract] [Report]
Union City, New Jersey study by the Center for Children and Technology at the Educational Development Center (1993) [Report]