Using project-based learning to teach project-based learning: lessons learned

TL;DR: In this article, the authors report the lessons learned using a project-based learning (PBL) approach for teaching the projectbased learning methodology itself, and the main findings were the following: (1) the course design, which followed the seven essential project design elements proposed by Larmer, Mergendoller, and Boss, was very effective; (2) Centering learning around a meaningful project motivated students to do their best.

Abstract: This article reports the lessons learned using a project-based learning (PBL) approach for teaching the project-based learning methodology itself. This study was conducted with 33 graduate students from the Faculty of Education of the University of Sao Paulo, Brazil. This paper explains the course goals, design, and curriculum. Data were collected by means of focus group activities, electronic surveys, and students’ project websites, and analyzed to determine recurrent themes. The main findings were the following: (1) The course design, which followed the seven essential project design elements proposed by Larmer, Mergendoller, and Boss (2015), was very effective; (2) Centering learning around a meaningful project – the creation of a book about PBL experience – motivated students to do their best. However, the hard work came at a price: students reported experiencing fatigue and stress; and (3) The learning dynamics provided students with the experience of combining theory and practice, interviewing subjects, reflecting about the learning process, and sharing knowledge.