Project-Based Learning as a Method of Learning by Doing

Project-Based Learning as a Method of Learning by Doing: Why It Works (and How to Make It Work for You)

“They Remember the Project—Not the PowerPoint.”

Ask any student what they remember most from school. Chances are, it’s not a slide deck or a test. It’s that time they built a model city, created a podcast, or launched a mini business. That’s the power of Project-Based Learning (PBL)—a proven method of learning by doing that brings knowledge to life.

But PBL isn't just about having fun. It’s a method backed by neuroscience, proven to boost retention, creativity, and real-world skills. Let’s explore why Project-Based Learning as a method of learning by doing is transforming classrooms, boardrooms, and beyond.

What Is Project-Based Learning (PBL)?

PBL is a teaching strategy where students learn by actively engaging in real-world and personally meaningful projects. Unlike traditional education, which often separates theory and practice, PBL blends both into one hands-on experience.

In short:

Traditional learning: Learn first, apply later.

PBL: Learn through application.

Why PBL Works: The Science of Learning by Doing

Studies from the National Training Laboratory and the Journal of Experiential Education show that learners retain:

5–10% of lecture-based content

75–90% of what they do through projects, teaching others, or immediate application

When students work on projects, they activate multiple parts of the brain—problem-solving, collaboration, and even emotional processing—making learning more memorable and meaningful.

What Does a PBL Project Look Like?

• Elementary: Design a miniature ecosystem in a shoebox

• Middle School: Create a climate-change awareness campaign

• High School: Build a business and pitch it Shark Tank–style

• College: Develop a mobile app to solve a real community problem

• Professionals: Redesign a workflow or launch a side project based on company needs

The structure usually follows these steps:

1. Challenge/Question

2. Investigation & Research

3. Creation/Build

4. Presentation & Reflection

Real-World Skills Built Through PBL

• Critical thinking

• Time management

• Team collaboration

• Public speaking

• Adaptability

According to LinkedIn’s 2024 Workplace Learning Report, these are among the top soft skills employers now seek—and PBL builds them naturally.

How PBL Applies to Online and Adult Education

PBL isn’t just for kids. In online courses and adult training, it's used to:

• Simulate real-life job tasks

• Encourage portfolio development (great for creatives or tech learners)

• Replace passive videos with active application (e.g., coding a tool vs. watching a coding demo)

Platforms like Coursera and edX now offer capstone projects to reflect PBL principles.

Challenges (and How to Overcome Them)

Time-consuming? Start with mini-projects.

Hard to assess? Use rubrics that focus on process + product.

Uneven participation? Assign clear roles and include peer reviews.

Pro tip: Give learners voice and choice. Let them co-design parts of the project—it boosts motivation and ownership.

Final Word: Projects That Stick Are Lessons That Last

Project-Based Learning turns passive knowledge into active competence. It bridges the gap between knowing and doing. Whether you're a teacher, a trainer, or a lifelong learner, embracing project-based learning as a method of learning by doing could be the smartest shift you make.

Because in the end, no one forgets the project where they created, failed, fixed, and grew.

TL;DR

PBL is learning by doing—through meaningful, real-world projects.

It builds deeper understanding and long-term skill retention.

PBL works in classrooms, online education, and adult training alike.