Refers to an educational approach in which students actively explore real-world problems and challenges through inquiry-driven projects, often organized around a complex question, problem, or challenge.

The application of this term often differs in K–12 vs. postsecondary education. While the core principles of PBL (authentic learning, inquiry, collaboration, and reflection) typically remain consistent across K–12 and postsecondary education, implementation and emphasis can differ:

• K–12 Education
  • Often more intentional scaffolding in instructional approach by teachers
  • Often interdisciplinary
  • Focus on building foundational skills, including collaboration and communication
  • May align closely with state content standards.
• Postsecondary Education
  • Projects are typically more discipline-specific and complex
  • Emphasizes career readiness, research, and real-world application
  • Often include partnerships with community or industry
  • Students expected to take more initiative and ownership

There are a number of alternative terms for PBL:

• Problem-Based Learning – Common in medical and STEM fields, focuses more narrowly on solving a specific problem
• Inquiry-Based Learning – Emphasizes student questions and curiosity, with or without a culminating project
• Experiential Learning – Broader umbrella term that includes internships, service learning, and PBL
• Challenge-Based Learning – Often used in technology-dominated environments, focusing on societal or global challenges
• Authentic Learning – Focuses on real-world relevance, often overlapping with PBL
• Capstone Projects – Often used in higher education to describe culminating, integrative PBL experiences