How-to Tips and Tools
PBL vs Product-Based Learning
How to avoid putting too much time and emphasis on creating the product in a project, instead of focusing on what students are learning.
PBL Blog
pbl world 2026
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What Students Say About Project Based Learning
In this recap of a student panel at PBL World 2026, graduating seniors from Envision Academy of Arts and Technology (Oakland, CA) reflect on how Project Based Learning shaped them as learners and leaders. Students describe gaining confidence in sharing ideas, developing communication and time-management skills for college, and learning to collaborate with peers outside their friend groups. They offer advice for educators on choice, resources, and scaffolding independent thinking before group work. The recurring themes: PBL builds student voice, strengthens collaboration, and prepares students for what comes next.
Recent Blogs
Projects in Action
Powerful PBL Ingredients: Authenticity, Co-Teaching, Community Connection, & Iteration
A project with the driving question, "How can we identify problems and create practical solutions to support communities impacted by natural disasters?"
How-to Tips and Tools
Making Time for Reflection in Our Projects
When to ask students to reflect, how to organize the process, and what questions to ask.
Projects in Action
The Night of Beliefs Project and To Kill a Mockingbird
An English Language Arts project asks students to examine their own beliefs in light of the famous novel and express them in a community event.
How-to Tips and Tools
How I Meet the Needs of Students from Disadvantaged Backgrounds with PBL
6 tips for using PBL with students who are often disengaged from school--and an example of a motivating project focused on a local chemical factory.
How-to Tips and Tools
Structuring the Chaos: Making PBL Feel Safe for New Teachers and Students
A high school teacher offers 3 structures for managing the classroom during projects, to promote productivity, accountability, and overcoming obstacles.
Projects in Action
When PBL Hits the Gym
Why and how physical education teachers should use PBL, with a sample PBL unit.
How-to Tips and Tools
The Only 3 Standards that Matter: Accountability for PBL
Why teachers do not have to justify the value of PBL by linking every project to a long list of “covered standards” to check off.
General PBL
Reflections on School Shootings and PBL, and the Size of High Schools
PBLWorks Editor in Chief John Larmer comments on designing projects about gun issues, and the problem with large high schools.