With the start of the Millennium-the period of Globalization and Technology, the world of education has been fast-paced evolving.
Innovative teaching strategies are constantly being explored to enhance students’ engagement and learning outcomes. Two popular methods that stand out are Project-Based Learning (PBL) and Task-Based Learning (TBL). While both emphasize active learning and real-world application, they differ in approach and implementation.
In this blog post, we will explain why we deliberately connected these two methods in our new teacher training course „PBL & TBL together: „Question-solution-realization-promotion!“
But before, in the following passages, we need to explain what these two methodologies are, their benefits, differences, and what good educators can get for their learners by practising the elements of these methods in our new teacher training course „PBL & TBL together: „Question-solution-realization-promotion!“
PBL & TBL – rooted in the 20th century education progressive movements!
The modern implementation of PBL gained traction in the 1960s and 1970s, particularly within medical education and later expanding to K-12 and higher education settings.
We connect Project-Based Learning with influential figures such as John Dewey advocating for experiential learning. The modern implementation of PBL gained traction in the 1960s and 1970s, particularly within medical education and later expanding to K-12 and higher education settings.
Task-Based Learning emerged more prominently in the 1980s, particularly in the field of language education. It was developed as part of communicative language teaching (CLT), emphasizing practical language use over rote memorization of grammar rules. Scholars such as N. Prabhu played a significant role in formalizing the method, which later extended into other educational disciplines.
What is Project-Based Learning (PBL)?
Project-Based Learning is an instructional approach where students engage in a complex, real-world problem or project over an extended period. This method fosters critical thinking, collaboration, and problem-solving skills by allowing students to take ownership of their learning process.
Key Features of PBL:
- Real-World Relevance: Students work on projects that simulate real-world challenges.
- Inquiry-Based Learning: Encourages students to ask questions and explore various solutions.
- Interdisciplinary Approach: Often integrates multiple subjects like science, math, art, and language.
- Student Autonomy: Learners have the freedom to plan and execute their projects with guidance from instructors.
- Long-Term Engagement: Projects typically span several weeks or even months.
Example of the use of PBL:
Students need to design an idea of their future vision on different issues: health care, transport, education, household etc. To do that they need to research different information sources (where crucially important media and information literacy come to the spotlight, finally), and present their findings, ideas and solutions.
What is Task-Based Learning (TBL)?
Task-Based Learning, on the other hand, focuses on short-term, specific tasks that require learners to use their knowledge and skills in a structured manner. This method is commonly used in language learning but is also applicable in other subject areas.
Key Features of TBL:
- Goal-Oriented Tasks: Each lesson revolves around a specific task that has a clear outcome.
- Active Student Participation: Students complete tasks through interaction and collaboration.
- Immediate Application: Learners apply their skills directly in a meaningful way.
- Instructor as Facilitator: Teachers guide students while allowing them to take control of the learning process.
- Shorter Time Frame: Tasks are usually completed within a single lesson or a few sessions.
Example of the use of TBL:
In an English language class, students participate in a role-play exercise where they simulate promoting and booking a holiday package. This task helps them practise conversational skills, vocabulary, and problem-solving in a realistic context, especially if they come from the areas where tourism is the main productive industry.
Key Differences Between PBL and TBL
| Feature | Project-Based Learning (PBL) | Task-Based Learning (TBL) |
|---|---|---|
| Duration | Long-term (weeks/months) | Short-term (single lesson or a few sessions) |
| Focus | Complex problems/projects | Specific, goal-oriented tasks |
| Student Autonomy | High | Moderate to high |
| Assessment | Based on final project, presentations, and process | Based on task completion and performance |
| Application | Broader real-world problems | Immediate practical skills |
The choice between PBL and TBL depends on yor learning objectives, student needs, and available time:
- Use PBL if you want students to develop long-term problem-solving skills, work collaboratively, and engage deeply in a topic.
- Use TBL if you want students to acquire specific skills quickly, engage in meaningful tasks, and improve practical application
Both Project-Based Learning and Task-Based Learning offer valuable approaches to education. While PBL is more suited for deep, exploratory learning, TBL is effective for focused, skill-based learning. Educators should assess their classroom needs and objectives before choosing the most appropriate method. By integrating both approaches where necessary, teachers can create a dynamic and enriching learning environment that caters to different learning styles and goals.
How do we, at Lina Edu, see PBL & TBL together?
Here, we need to start from three major course points.
1 We introduce and combine PBL & TBL as a highly useful teaching method – Integrated class!
What is it?
We will showcase and guide the participants how to apply the combination of two different subjects (Art and English language) at the same time and the same place teaching mutual students. Here, modern teaching methods and approaches are applied: active teaching and learning methods, cross-curricular approach, mentoring work & project class. By integrating both approaches where necessary, teachers can create a dynamic and enriching learning environment that caters to different learning styles and goals.
Why?
2 By combining these methods and performing them as integrated class we facilitate & reinforce class for highly-motivated, talented and gifted students, who are, unfortunately, usually, the weakest party in our classes. Due to lots of issues we need to deal with in one class, we cannot provide the right and proper learning environment where they will be the focus of our attention.
3 While you are applying PBL & TBL in your classes, development of competencies in the field of cultural awareness/expression, language skills, digital skills, media and information literacy, active citizenship and entrepreneurship skills naturally occur.
4 What is important to add is that the whole course content and activities encourage and include working in team to get the final mutual products since the course aims to reinforce team work as PBL & TBL lie on.
Let’s see how it loks like in our course „PBL & TBL together: „Question-solution-realization-promotion!“
Instead of questioning yourself which method you should use, register to our course and learn how to successfully mix these two hyper influential and important teaching methods in your classes.
