Problem-based Learning engages students in the process of critical thinking in an attempt to analyze and evaluate problems that have no definite response as they were provided a problem with preliminary information only. On the other hand, in Project-based Learning, students are assigned or provided with a complex problem with prospective solutions and exploring opportunities where they are tasked to build a plan and construct a product that addresses the problem after studying the given problem.
2. TABLE OF CONTENTS
WHAT is PROBLEM-BASED and
PROJECT-BASED LEARNING
THE BENEFITS of PROBLEM-
BASED and PROJECT-BASED
LEARNING
THE CHALLENGES of PROBLEM-
BASED and PROJECT-BASED
LEARNING
PROBLEM-BASED LEARNING
in SOCIAL STUDIES
01
03
02
04
PROJECT-BASED LEARNING in
SOCIAL STUDIES
05
3. Successful problem solving
requires finding the right
solution to the right problem.
We fail more often because we
solve the wrong problem than
because we get the wrong
solution to the right problem.
- Russell L. Ackoff -
5. Project-Based Learning
is a student-centered method in which students
gain knowledge of a subject by addressing an open-
ended challenge contained in trigger material. Its
approach does not emphasize problem solving with
a predetermined answer, but it does allow for the
development of other desirable abilities and
characteristics. This involves improved group
collaboration and communication, as well as
knowledge development.
is an instructional strategy that
allows students to work for a
length of time to examine and
answer to an authentic, engaging,
and complicated issue, problem, or
challenge they may experience in
the real world..
Problem-Based Learning
8. BENEFITS OF PROJECT–BASED LEARNING
Deeper engagement
and interaction with
learning content.
Encouragement of higher
order thinking and
problem-solving skills.
Development of peer
and professional
networks.
Engagement with
potential employers and
career mentors.
Fostering of 21st
century skills like
collaboration and
communication.
Enhanced autonomy
and agency in
learning.
10. Teacher
Unpreparedness
CHALLENGES OF PROBLEM-BASED LEARNING
Time-Consuming
Assessment
Student unpreparedness
and potentially poorer
performance on tests
02
04
03
01
Varying Degrees of
Relevancy and
Applicability
11. CHALLENGES OF PROJECT-BASED LEARNING
Project-based learning is a worthwhile pursuit for
schools to achieve because it integrates what
students are acquiring with the needs of the modern
workplace. Despite this, an increasing majority of
educators are abandoning the method due to a huge
series of unsuccessful attempts. Teamwork, an
essential quality that can cause conflict and student
free-riding, and the challenge of teachers and
students face adapting to non-traditional teaching and
learning roles are the two most significant challenges.
Demanding workloads for teachers and students, a
superficial gain of content knowledge, a lack of clear
implementation guidelines, a lack of focus on
identified learning outcomes, a lack of trained
personnel who can lead PBL, and a lack of adequate
professional development to train PBL are all
significant challenges (Bogler, 2016).
13. PROBLEM-BASED LEARNING in
SOCIAL STUDIES
Problem-based learning uses complex, real-world
issues as the classroom's subject matter,
encouraging students to develop problem-solving
skills and learn concepts instead of just absorbing
facts.
This can take shape in a variety of different ways.
For example, a problem-based learning project could
involve students pitching ideas and creating their
own business plans to solve a societal need.
Students could work independently or in a group to
conceptualize, design, and launch their innovative
product in front of classmates and community
leaders.
14. Problem-Based Learning in Action
Maritime
Discovery
Students explore maritime culture and history through visits to a nearby maritime museum. They're
tasked with choosing a specific voyage, researching it, and crafting their own museum display.
Throughout their studies, they'll create a captain's log, including mapping out voyages and building
their own working sextant.
Urban
Planning
Perfect for humanities classes, this example challenges students to observe and interview members
of their community and determine the biggest local issue. They formulate practical solutions that
they will then pitch to a panel of professional urban planners.
Zoo
Habitats
This scientific example starts with a visit to a local zoo. Students use their observations and
classroom knowledge to form teams and create research-supported habitat plans, presented to
professional zoologists.
Code-
breakers
Instead of regular economy lessons, let students lead with a code-breaking problem-based learning
assignment. Students take on the role of a security agent tasked with decrypting a message, coding
a new one in return, and presenting their findings to the classroom.
Financial
Advisors
Challenge students to step into the role of a financial advisor and decide how to spend an allotted
amount of money in a way that most benefits their community. Have them present their solution
and explain their reasoning to the class.
16. PROJECT-BASED LEARNING in
SOCIAL STUDIES
By its nature, project-based learning
(PBL) has a reciprocal relationship with
community building; PBL fosters
community among learners, and a strong
learning community is necessary for
successfully implementing PBL.
Beginning with generating project ideas
and all the way through to completing
and presenting a project, PBL requires
collaboration and negotiation.
17. 1
2
3
4
Create a question
for students to
answer in their
project
Give students time
to research
Have students
organize and
visualize their
research
Have students
create their stories
PBL IN SOCIAL STUDIES IN 5 STEPS
Students share
their projects
5
18. REFERENCES:
● 5 Advantages and Disadvantages of Problem-Based Learning [+ Activity Design Steps]. (2016,
December 14). Prodigy. https://www.prodigygame.com/main-en/blog/advantages-disadvantages-
problem-based-learning/
● Azzano, T. (2020, December 7). Getting Started With PBL in Social Studies. GEORGE LUCAS
EDUCATIONAL FOUNDATION. https://www.edutopia.org/article/getting-started-pbl-social-
studies#:~:text=When%20I%20became%20a%20teacher,broader%20audience%20than%20their%2
0teacher
● Bogler, M. (2016, August 18). Implementing Project-Based Learning: Challenges and Solutions.
ProjectPals. https://www.projectpals.com/project-based-learning-blog/implementing-project-
based-learning-challenges-and-solutions
● Dave, S. (2022, February 23). Project Based Learning: Benefits and Techniques of PBL. Practera.
https://practera.com/project-based-learning-benefits-and-techniques/
● Nilson, L. B. (2010). Teaching at its best: A research-based resource for college instructors (2nd ed.).
San Francisco, CA: Jossey-Bass.
● What is Problem-Based Learning (PBL) | Hun School of Princeton. (2020). The Hun School of
Princeton. https://www.hunschool.org/resources/problem-based-learning
