The present study aims at shedding light on the meaning of three teaching and learning methods - problem-based learning, project-based learning and design-based learning, aimed at fostering students’ lifelong learning skills such as problem solving, collaborative learning and self-direct learning.
This work is derived from the literature of constructivist pedagogy, and student-centered teaching and learning methods with focus on science, technology and engineering.
Problem-based learning has to do mainly with creating theoretical knowledge, for example in science or mathematics. In project-based learning, there is a longstanding tradition in schools for "doing projects," incorporating "hands-on" activities, developing interdisciplinary themes, implementing laboratory investigations and the creation of a useful artifact or system. Design-based learning corresponds to project-based learning, except that DBL requires learners to work according to acceptable engineering design processes. In the hearth of engineering design is generating alternative solutions and choosing systematically the optimal one, because engineering is merely a process of optimization and tradeoff.
In the present article, we have highlighted the differences between three problem-based learning, project-based learning and design-based learning, with hope that becoming familiar with these teaching methods will encourage educators and engineers to integrate them into teaching science, technology and engineering in schools.
The rapid scientific, technological and social changes and the digital revolution in particular, have been altering almost every aspect of life, for example, the ways people work, shop, communicate, travel and spend their leisure time. To prepare students to integrate into the modern world and work place, schools are required to impart to students not only knowledge in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM), and computing, but also lifelong learning skills. This includes the ability to solve problems, work both independently and on a team, communicate effectively in different formats, and self-direct one’s learning (
Problem-based learning is a student-centered pedagogy in which students learn about a subject through the experience of solving an open-ended problem found in the literature. The PBL process does not focus on problem solving with a defined solution, but it allows for the development of other desirable skills and attributes such as knowledge acquisition, enhanced group collaboration and communication.
Problem-based learning is often described as including the following steps:
1. Explore the issue
2. State what is known
3. Define the issues
4. Research the knowledge
5. Investigate solutions
6. Present and support the chosen solution
7. Review your performance.
Problem-based learning was originally developed within the context of medicine studies, but the use of PBL has expanded to include education in areas such as science math, computer sciences law, economics, business and social studies (
Project-based learning (sometimes also called PBL) is a model that organizes learning around complex tasks based on challenging questions or problems that involve students in design, problem-solving, decision-making, or investigative activities (
The term design is associated with engineering. Design-based learning is similar to project-based learning, except that DBL requires learners to work according to acceptable engineering design processes.
1. Clarifying design specifications and constraints
Describing the problem clearly and fully, noting constraints and specifications.
2. Researching and investigating the problem
Searching for and discussing solutions to solve this or similar problems. Completing a series of guided-knowledge and skill-builder activities that will help students identify the variables that affect the performance of the design, and inform the students’ knowledge and skill base.
3. Generating alternative designs
Not stopping when we have one solution. Approaching the challenge in new ways and describing alternatives.
4. Choosing and justifying the optimal design
Rating and ranking the alternatives against the design specifications and constraints. Justifying a choice that will guide the preliminary design.
5. Developing a prototype
Making a model of the solution. Identifying and explaining modifications to refine the design.
6. Testing and evaluating the design solution
Developing and carrying out a test to assess the performance of the design solution.
7. Redesigning the solution with modifications
Examining the design compared to other solutions to see where improvements can be made. Identifying the variables that affect performance and determining the concepts that underlie these variables. Explaining how to enhance the performance of the design using these concepts and variables.
8. Communicating the achievements.
Completing a design portfolio or design report that documents the previously mentioned steps. Making a group presentation to the class justifying the design solution.
In this case, too, we must note that the design work is an iterative cycle in which a designer can move back or forth from one stage to another; it is not a linear process.
Stages 3 and 4, Generate alternative designs and Choose and justify the optimal design, are central to the engineering design because engineering is merely a process of optimization and tradeoff. Designers often cannot develop a product or system that fully meets all requirements, for example, in terms of performance, ease of use, reliability, safety, or cost. They develop several solutions and systematically check for the optimal one, for example, by preparing a performance scale for choosing the optimal solution. These steps, which are at the heart of design-based learning, are less central to the general model of project-based learning mentioned above. In fact, DBL differs from PjBL mainly in this aspect.
Problem-, project- and design-based learning are forms of constructivist pedagogy derived from the constructivism theory that individuals create their own new understandings based on an interaction between what they already know and knowledge with which they come into contact. Constructivism also stresses that learning is a social activity, something people do together in interaction with each other, rather than an abstract concept (
Despite wide consensus in the literature about the advantages of student-centered pedagogy over traditional schooling, educators are increasingly aware of the limitations of applying these methods within the regular school context.
Many countries worldwide place great importance on teaching science, technology and engineering in the educational system, from kindergarten to high school. In this article, we have addressed three educational approaches, problem-based learning (PBL), project-based learning (PjBL) and design-based learning (DBL, which may be suitable for teaching science, technology and engineering for children. We hope that becoming familiar with these teaching methods will encourage educators to integrate them into teaching science, technology and engineering in schools.
Project-based learning process.