Table 1 Problem-Based Learning Versus... | Emerald Publishing

Table 1

Problem-Based Learning Versus Project-Based Learning

Problem-Based Learning (PBL)	Project-Based Learning
Problem-based learning emphasizes applying existing skills and knowledge.	Project-based learning emphasizes developing new skills and knowledge.
Problem-based learning’s main motivation is solving a problem.	Project-based learning’s main motivation is completing a project.
Problem-based learning may or may not involve completing a project.	Project-based learning may or may not involve solving a problem.
The teacher develops the problem, but students get control over how to solve it.	Students have a great deal of control over developing the project and the process for accomplishing it.
Problem-based learning provides opportunities for students to develop problem-solving skills.	Project-based learning can provide opportunities for students to develop problem-solving skills but always provides students opportunities to learn to manage the tasks involved in completing a project.
Interdisciplinary nature of problems is stressed.	Project-based learning can be interdisciplinary.
Students may work alone or in groups.	Students may work alone or in groups.
Teachers develop the tools used for assessment.	Students have a great deal of control over the development of tools for assessment.
An important by-product is learning to solve problems.	An important by-product is learning to manage complicated tasks and maintain focus.
Students are provided with resources rather than answers.	Students are supported with resources.
Problem-based learning is meaningful to the learners.	Project-based learning is meaningful to the learners.
Problem-based learning can vary in duration depending on the problem.	Project-based learning can vary in duration depending on the project.
Problem-based learning can be accomplished in groups, cooperative groups, or alone.	Project-based learning can be accomplished in groups, cooperative groups, or alone.

Problem-Based Learning (PBL)	Project-Based Learning
Problem-based learning emphasizes applying existing skills and knowledge.	Project-based learning emphasizes developing new skills and knowledge.
Problem-based learning’s main motivation is solving a problem.	Project-based learning’s main motivation is completing a project.
Problem-based learning may or may not involve completing a project.	Project-based learning may or may not involve solving a problem.
The teacher develops the problem, but students get control over how to solve it.	Students have a great deal of control over developing the project and the process for accomplishing it.
Problem-based learning provides opportunities for students to develop problem-solving skills.	Project-based learning can provide opportunities for students to develop problem-solving skills but always provides students opportunities to learn to manage the tasks involved in completing a project.
Interdisciplinary nature of problems is stressed.	Project-based learning can be interdisciplinary.
Students may work alone or in groups.	Students may work alone or in groups.
Teachers develop the tools used for assessment.	Students have a great deal of control over the development of tools for assessment.
An important by-product is learning to solve problems.	An important by-product is learning to manage complicated tasks and maintain focus.
Students are provided with resources rather than answers.	Students are supported with resources.
Problem-based learning is meaningful to the learners.	Project-based learning is meaningful to the learners.
Problem-based learning can vary in duration depending on the problem.	Project-based learning can vary in duration depending on the project.
Problem-based learning can be accomplished in groups, cooperative groups, or alone.	Project-based learning can be accomplished in groups, cooperative groups, or alone.

Source:Kilbane and Milman (2013, p. 283).