PBL vs. PBL: Project Based Learning vs. Problem Based Learning, What's the Diff?

PBL vs. PBL

Project-Based Learning vs. Problem-Based Learning

Is there a difference? Yes!

Project-Based Learning is a learning process in which students learn through completing projects that revolve around real world problems. Project-Based Learning is when a problem is presented to a student, group of students or a class, and they discuss possible solutions. Project Based learning is focusing on the problem, identifying affected parties, and determining a solution to resolve the problem. Now, the solution could lead into a prototype, working model, poster displaying solution ideas, writing letters, making web pages, informing the public, and more.  Project-Based learning can also occur when student(s) identify their OWN problem to study, or identify their own problems in a given topic. Project-based learning span over time - a few weeks and up to a school year. Examples of Project-Based Learning are science projects that address a question students have and the student completes research to find an answer. For example, I know a student who wanted to know if women's purses really carried germs. So, she collected samples of 'material' off the bottoms of women's purses and placed the material in petri dishes. What she found was horrific! All kinds of bacteria grew in the petri dishes, many of samples were very toxic. She presented this in a science fair project at the St. Louis Science Fair and she won a blue ribbon! Another Project-Based Learning example is when I gave three 2nd graders a small news blurb from USA Today. It stated that 40 Hawaiian life guards visit the ER each year due to coconuts falling on their heads. So I asked my 2nd graders to address that problem. They devised a helmet (from a football helmet) for the lifeguard to wear. It had a spring on top and a net hanging off the back so when the coconut hit the helmet, it would land on the spring and bounce up in the air and land in the netting! Creative for 8-year-olds.  

Problem-based learning is when students are given fictitious scenarios that have open-ended solutions. The problem can be "messy". Ideas for solutions are created. This is a short-term activity that may or may not result of in a product. Discussing, researching and defending solutions and ideas is what is important. An example of a problem-based learning assignment is presenting the class with the idea that they are going to land on Mars but they need to determine how to make sure the landing module lands upright. How can you design a landing module that doesn't flip upside down? Provide materials such a cardboard, string, construction paper, glue, tape scissors, etc. to see what they can design.

Here is my blog of Project-Based Learning activities my class has completed: https://pegspblprojects.blogspot.com/

Here is a good article describing both Project-Based & Problem-Based Learning.
https://www.edutopia.org/blog/pbl-vs-pbl-vs-xbl-john-larmer