Problem based

learning and
project-based
learning
contents
1. Objective of the seminar
2. Introduction of problem based-learning(PBL) and
project-based learning(PjBL)
3. Importance of PBL and PjBL
4. Process of PBL and PjBL
5. Comparison of PBL and PjBL
6. Situations where each approach is most effective
7. Challenges and limitations of PBL and PjBL
8. Practical application
9. Conclusion 01/06/2025 2

10.Acknowledgment
By Amanuel Mengesha ( BSc, MSc candidate)
1. Objective
 Clarify how problem-based learning and project-based learning
are performed

 To discuss about the importance of these techniques

 To elaborate about the role of teachers in these learning

methodologies

 To clarify about the challenges and limitations of problem based

and project-based learnings
By Amanuel Mengesha ( BSc, MSc candidate) 01/06/2025 3
 2. Introduction

By Amanuel Mengesha ( BSc, MSc candidate) 01/06/2025 4

problem based learning
 Problem based learning (PBL) employs constructivist
principles to foster application of prior knowledge,
collaborative learning, and active engagement(Yew EH
et al,2012).

 The defining feature of PBL is that it reverses the

traditional approach to teaching and learning. The idea
is that the starting point (rather than end point) for
learning should be a problem that the learner wishes to
solve.
01/06/2025 5

By Amanuel Mengesha ( BSc, MSc candidate)

Cont..
In PBL, the teacher takes the role of a
facilitator rather than a lecturer.

The facilitator may also be considered

a coach or a guide who provides
feedback and encouragement(Salari M
et al,2018)
By Amanuel Mengesha ( BSc, MSc candidate) 01/06/2025 6
 Job Description of the Facilitator
 Models’ behavior that the student will adopt
 Promotes student interaction as a group
 Guides the groups learning
 Motivates the students to learn
 Monitors the progress of each student in the
group
By Amanuel Mengesha ( BSc, MSc candidate)
01/06/2025 7
 Cont..
 Monitors attendance
 Provides feedback to management/ planning
group
 Helps students to identify learning resources
 Provides support and a first point of contact
for academic or welfare problems. 01/06/2025 8

By Amanuel Mengesha ( BSc, MSc candidate)

Project based learning
 Project based learning (PjBL) typically begins
with an end product or "artifact" in mind, the
production of which requires specific content
knowledge or skills and typically raises one or
more problems which students must solve
together.(Barron B et al,2010)

 Students may use or present the product they have

created, and ideally are given time to reflect on
and evaluate their work (Blumenfeld et al, 1991).
01/06/2025 9

By Amanuel Mengesha ( BSc, MSc candidate)

The Facilitators role is
Strong guidance is needed to reduce
the likelihood of students attempting to
undertake overly ambitious projects;

Careful piloting and testing of

proposed projects to establish
reasonable estimates of time required
for successful student completion; 01/06/2025 10

By Amanuel Mengesha ( BSc, MSc candidate)

Cont…
Sample projects should be provided to
indicate to students the scope

Course teams should be aware of the

importance of a Project Guide and strive to
make it as clear and as helpful as possible;
By Amanuel Mengesha ( BSc, MSc candidate) 01/06/2025 11
 3. Importance of these
methodologies in education

By Amanuel Mengesha ( BSc, MSc candidate) 01/06/2025 12

Importance of PBL
enhances critical thinking and problem-
solving skills
Promotes active learning which leads to a
deeper understanding of the subject matter
improves collaboration and communication
skills
increases
student motivation and
01/06/2025 13

engagement By Amanuel Mengesha ( BSc, MSc candidate)

 Importance of PjBL
provides a hands-on learning
experience
 fosters creativity and innovation
enhances time management and
organizational skills
prepares students for the future 14

By Amanuel Mengesha ( BSc, MSc candidate)

01/06/2025
 4. The process of PBL
and PjBL

By Amanuel Mengesha ( BSc, MSc candidate) 01/06/2025 15

Process of Problem-Based Learning (PBL)
1. Problem Presentation; The PBL process begins with
presenting a real-world problem to the students.

2. Identification of Learning Issues; Students identify

what they already know and what they need to learn to
solve the problem

3. Self-Directed Learning: Students engage in self-

directed learning, researching the topics and gathering
information needed to address the problem
By Amanuel Mengesha ( BSc, MSc candidate) 01/06/2025 16
Cont…
4. Collaborative Learning: Students work
collaboratively in small groups to share information,
discuss findings, and propose potential solutions.

5. Application and Synthesis: Students apply their

newfound knowledge to the problem, synthesizing
information and developing a comprehensive solution.

6. Presentation and Reflection: Students present their

solutions to their peers and instructors, receiving
feedback and reflecting on their learning experience.
By Amanuel Mengesha ( BSc, MSc candidate) 01/06/2025 17
Process of Project-Based Learning
(PjBL)
1. Project Definition: The PjBL process begins with defining a clear
and meaningful project.

2. Planning and Research: Students plan their approach to the

project.

3. Development and Execution: Students actively work on their

projects.

4. Collaboration and Feedback: Throughout the project, students

collaborate with peers, educators, and sometimes external experts.

5. Presentation and Reflection: Upon completing the project,

students present their findings and final product to an audience.
By Amanuel Mengesha ( BSc, MSc candidate) 01/06/2025 18
5. Comparison of PBL and PjBL

By Amanuel Mengesha ( BSc, MSc candidate) 01/06/2025 19

Similarities between the two approaches.
 Learner-Centered Approach: Both PBL and PjBL place the student
at the center of the learning process

 Development of Critical Skills: Both approaches emphasize the

development of critical thinking, problem-solving, and analytical
skills.

 Collaborative Learning: Collaboration is a key component of both

PBL and PjBL

 Real-World Relevance: Both methods emphasize learning through

real-world contexts

 01/06/2025
Integration of Knowledge: Both PBL and PjBL encourage the
20

integration of knowledge across different disciplines.

By Amanuel Mengesha ( BSc, MSc candidate)
Differences in methodology, objectives, and outcomes
PBL PjBL

methodology PBL is centered PjBL involves students

around a specific in completing a
problem that students project over an
need to solve extended period
Objectives The primary objective PjBL aims to develop
of PBL is to develop practical skills and
problem-solving skills apply theoretical
and critical thinking knowledge to real-
world projects

outcome Students in PBL often Students engaged in

develop strong PjBL often produce
analytical and tangible projects that
problem-solving skills demonstrate their
learning
21

By Amanuel Mengesha ( BSc, MSc candidate)

01/06/2025
 6. Situations where each
approach is most effective

By Amanuel Mengesha ( BSc, MSc candidate) 01/06/2025 22

Situations Where Problem-Based
Learning (PBL) is Most Effective

Medical and Health Education

Engineering and Technical Fields

Law and Business Education

By Amanuel Mengesha ( BSc, MSc candidate) 01/06/2025 23
Situations Where Project-Based
Learning (PjBL) is Most Effective
STEM Education (Science, Technology,
Engineering, and Mathematics):

Art and Design Education:

Environmental and Sustainability

Studies 01/06/2025 24

By Amanuel Mengesha ( BSc, MSc candidate)

 7. Challenges and limitations

By Amanuel Mengesha ( BSc, MSc candidate) 01/06/2025 25

Challenges and Limitations of Problem-
Based Learning (PBL)
Time and Resource Intensive

Assessment Difficulties

Student Resistance and Variability

Teacher Training and Professional Development

Curriculum Integration and Alignment 26

By Amanuel Mengesha ( BSc, MSc candidate) 01/06/2025

Cont…
 One common criticism of PBL is that
students cannot really know what might be
important for them to learn, especially in
areas which they have no prior experience.
Therefore teachers, as facilitators, must be
careful to assess and account for the prior
knowledge that students bring to the
classroom.

By Amanuel Mengesha ( BSc, MSc candidate) 01/06/2025 27

Challenges and Limitations of Project-
Based Learning (PjBL)
Time and Resource Constraints
Assessment Complexity:
Variability in Student Engagement
Teacher Preparation and Professional
Development
Curriculum Alignment and Integration
28

By Amanuel Mengesha ( BSc, MSc candidate) 01/06/2025

8.Practical application
Wollo University, school of medicine
applies PBL in its undergraduate(PC1 and
PC2) students. The students said, that the
system has lay down a huge background
for their clinical attachment in their real-
world scenario.

By Amanuel Mengesha ( BSc, MSc candidate) 01/06/2025 29

9.conclusion
It could be argued that the skill of the
twenty first century graduate will be to
articulate the right questions and to
understand where and how they can
search for knowledge, not remember
the answers.
By Amanuel Mengesha ( BSc, MSc candidate) 01/06/2025 30
10.Acknowledgment
I would like to express my sincere
gratitude to my instructor, Ali Yasin
(PhD, Associate Professor) for your
unwavering support, guidance, and
dedication to nurturing my academic
and personal growth next to God.
By Amanuel Mengesha ( BSc, MSc candidate) 01/06/2025 31
By Amanuel Mengesha ( BSc, MSc candidate) 01/06/2025 32