Project-based learning and design thinking have both become buzzwords in the educational landscape. But beyond the buzz, both PBL and design thinking have rich histories that span decades. Both approaches also offer practical frameworks for teachers who are crafting authentic projects for their students.

So, what exactly is the relationship between PBL and design thinking? When and how should we use each approach? Is either option better for our students? In this article, we explore what it means to find the overlap between PBL and design thinking by treating project-based learning as the pedagogical framework and design thinking as the creative framework.

Empowering Students with Voice and Choice

What happens when teachers design projects that empower students with voice and choice? Students embrace a maker mindset. They define themselves as inventors and creators. They learn to take creative risks. Here they experiment and engage in iterative thinking. When this happens, they embrace a growth mindset and grow resilient. They become problem solvers and systems thinkers. They become divergent thinkers — thinking outside the box. They use creative constraint to find original uses for materials. Here, they discover it’s okay to be different. Often students embrace curiosity and wonder. They become explorers seeking out new information and thinking critically. They grow more empathetic as they design meaningful products that they launch to the world.

On an academic level, students are more engaged and the information sticks. There’s often an increase in student achievement. Meanwhile, they learn key skills like project management, collaboration, and communication. True, these projects will prepare students for the creative economy. But more importantly, they empower students for a creative life. Here, they see that making is magic. We know that there’s a time crunch in schools. Materials can be scarce. Sometimes you’re stuck with a tight curriculum map. But when you, as a teacher, empower your students with voice and choice, they become the makers who change the world.

But how do we make the most out of project-based learning when we have tight time deadlines, a set of standards to teach, and limited resources? One solution is to combine project-based learning with design thinking. You can think of PBL as a pedagogical framework and design thinking as a creative framework. When this happens, you end up with PBL by Design. It’s an idea I explore in my latest sketch video:

But it has me thinking about this idea of creative habits and the bigger notion of creative momentum. So, I want to share an older blog post. I didn't write a new one this week, in part because I just finished my first draft on my novel. And after hitting 65k words, I didn't feel like writing about education.

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Let's Work Together!

I would love to work with your school, district, or conference! You might be interested in keynotes or workshops on deeper learning, PBL for all students, and empowering students and improving student agency

I currently have some dates open in January and February and later in the spring (though my calendar is already pretty full). I'd also love to do something more in-depth throughout the school year and summer.

My workshops include access to my self-paced courses so participants can continue their professional learning after the day's event.

Please reach out to me at john@spencereducation.com or fill out the form on my speaking page, and I'll get back to you as soon as possible. I can send you a PD catalog with all the details.

Dr. John Spencer

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