Project-Based Learning in Higher Education

Project-Based Learning in Higher Education

By Luz Miranda

CIC Lunch & Learn October 17,2025

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Objectives

• Define Project-Based Learning and distinguish its core characteristics from traditional assignment-based instruction
• Identify the key benefits of PBL for developing both content mastery and 21st-century skills in higher education contexts

• Design an authentic driving question for a specific course that incorporates real-world problems and student choice

Mind Map

Core Characteristics

Design Process

Project-Based Learning

PLB Implementation

PBL Foundations

Learning Benefits

Assessment Strategies

Theoretical Framework

Support Systems

Understanding the Why and What

Mind Map

Pedagogical Foundation of Project-Based Learning

Prior Knowledge Connection

Zone of Proximal Development

Social Constructivism

Constructivist

Authentic Interaction

Scaffolding Support

Multiple Perspectives

Collaborative Knowledge Building

Performance-Based Tasks

Social Presence

Multiple Evidence Sources

Community of Inquiry

Authentic Assessment

Cognitive Presence

Self & Peer Evaluation

Teaching Presence

Industry-Aligned Rubrics

Scan the QR Code for Workshop Survey

Write a great headline

Contextualize your topic with a subtitle

And use this space to describe it. Multimedia content is essential in a presentation to leave everyone speechless. Additionally, this way you will synthesize the content and entertain your audience.

And use this space to describe it. Multimedia content is essential in a presentation to leave everyone speechless. Furthermore, this way you will synthesize the content and entertain your audience.

‘Including quotes always reinforces our presentation. It breaks the monotony’

Interactivity

Animation

WOW Effect

Write a catchy headline

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You save time and the concepts stick in your audience's mind.

Write a catchy headline

Contextualize your topic with a subtitle

With Genially templates, you can include visual resources to leave your audience amazed. You can also highlight a specific phrase or piece of information that will be etched in your audience's memory, and even embed external content that surprises: videos, photos, audios... Whatever you want! Need more reasons to create dynamic content? Well: 90% of the information we assimilate comes through sight, and we retain 42% more information when the content is animated.

You save time and the concepts stick in your audience's mind.

Pedagogical Foundations of Project-Based Learning

• Constructivist Learning Theory
• Social Constructivism
• Experimental Learning
• Authentic Assessment Framework
• Community of Inquiry

Animation

WOW Effect

Interactivity

Core Characteristics

Authentic, Real Word Problems

• Projects address genuine challenges that professionals actually face

• Problems have multiple valid solutions, not predetermined "correct" answers

• Students see clear connections between coursework and career applications

Student- Driven Inquiry & Choice

• Students formulate their own research questions within project parameters

• Multiple pathways to demonstrate learning and expertise

• Learners have voice in project direction, methods, and final products

Collaborative Learning Environment

• Structured peer interaction throughout project lifecycle

• Shared responsibility for group outcomes

• Students learn from and teach each other

Which characteristics represents the biggest shift from your current teaching approach?

Increased student Engagement

21st- century Skill Development

Deep Content Mastery

Write a great headline

Contextualize your topic with a subtitle

And use this space to describe it. Multimedia content is essential in a presentation to leave everyone in awe. Additionally, this way you will synthesize the content and entertain your audience.

Write a great headline

Contextualize your topic with a subtitle

With Genially templates, you can include visual resources to leave your audience amazed. You can also highlight a specific phrase or fact that will be etched in your audience's memory, and even embed external content that surprises: videos, photos, audios... Whatever you want! Need more reasons to create dynamic content? Well: 90% of the information we assimilate comes through our sight, and we retain 42% more information when the content moves.

‘Including quotes always reinforces our presentation. It breaks the monotony’

- Always cite the author

Assessment Aproches

• Rubric for process and product
• Self and peer Evaluation

Why Both Matter:

• Process rubrics assess collaboration, research methods, time management, and problem-solving approaches

• Product rubrics evaluate final deliverables, content accuracy, and presentation quality

• Dual assessment provides comprehensive picture of student learning and growth

Support Systems

• Scaffolding and checkpoint strategies

• Technology tools and platforms

• Collaborative structures and roles

‘"Tell me and I forget. Teach me and I remember. Involve me and I learn." — Benjamin Franklin

And use this space to describe it. Multimedia content is essential in a presentation to leave everyone speechless. Additionally, this way you will synthesize the content and entertain your audience.

And use this space to describe it. Multimedia content is essential in a presentation to leave everyone speechless. Moreover, this way you will synthesize the content and entertain your audience.

Multimedia content is essential for achieving a WOW effect in your creations. Including background music, audio, or sound effects here… it always adds value!

A brilliant title

Contextualize your topic

With Genially templates, you can include visual resources to leave your audience speechless. You can also highlight a specific phrase or piece of information that will be etched in your audience's memory and even embed external content that surprises: videos, photos, audios... Whatever you want! Do you need more reasons to create dynamic content? Well: 90% of the information we assimilate comes through sight, and we retain 42% more information when the content is animated.

You save time, and the concepts stick in your audience's mind.

+INFO

Write a great headline

Contextualize your topic with a subtitle

And use this space to describe it. Multimedia content is essential in a presentation to leave everyone speechless. Additionally, this will help you summarize the content and entertain your audience.

The science behing PBL

Chat Discussion Prompt: "Choose one framework that resonates most with your discipline. Share HOW this theoretical foundation could address a specific challenge you face with student engagement or learning outcomes in your courses."

What would this look like in practice in your classroom? What's one concrete example you could implement next semester?

• Driving questions and authentic problems
• Student voice and choice
• Reflection and revision cycles
• Public presentation of work

Essential Elements

• Small group work using discipline-specific scenarios
• Template provided for question development
• Gallery walk to share and provide feedback

Hands- on Activity