Document Type
Article
Publication Date
Spring 2021
Abstract
Project-based learning diverges from traditional learning methods of the past by engaging students in the application of curriculum through the creation of products that represent their understanding of important skills and concepts. This research compared the rigor of project-based learning tasks with traditional learning tasks, and examined achievement differences between students taught with project-based learning and traditional instruction. To do so, a group of 81 students participated in a study in which the performance of a control group participating in traditional learning methods was compared to that of students who participated in project-based learning tasks. It was found that on an end-of-unit assessment, the project-based learning group outperformed the control group. This suggests that, compared to traditional learning methods, more rigorous project-based learning methods increase student understanding of the curricular skills and concepts.