The DOI matches its Crossref record; 38 of the 38 references it cites were found in a registry or an index.
The problem of projects: understanding the theoretical underpinnings of project-led PBL
Open accessAbstract
For many years there has been a sharp division between project-based learning, and problem-based learning, with the former adopting a more technical rationalist approach while the latter adopts a more Socratic or dialogic approach. This article argues that current notions of project-based learning are too narrow and that combining the two approaches will improve student engagement and criticality. This article begins by outlining the key differences between project-based, and problem-based learning, suggesting a new constellation. It then provides an exemplar in the form of a case study that sought to undertake such a combination, and reports on implications for practice.
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“PBL is theorized to enable integrative learning through sustained inquiry, reflection, and knowledge application, providing meaningful contexts for skill mastery6.”
From Project based learning framework integrating industry collaboration to enhance student future readiness in higher education (2025) · cites this paper as [6]
Experimental — accuracy not yet measuredThe source backs part of the claim, not all of it — or backs it for a different population, condition or comparison.
In the citing paper
“Hanney and Savin-Baden6deliver an academic discussion on the PBL, a rich work that lacks a more excellent empirical foundation.”
From Project based learning framework integrating industry collaboration to enhance student future readiness in higher education (2025) · cites this paper as [6]
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Citations
Cites
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The Challenge of Problem-based Learning
Boud, D. J., & Feletti, G. I. (2013) · Routledge eBooks · doi:10.4324/9781315042039 · Cited by 1,754
Research works printed but not linked: 5
- Barnett, R. 1994. The limits of competence. Buckingham: SRHE/Open University Press.
- Conway, J., and P. Little. 2000. Adopting PBL as the preferred institutional approach to teaching and learning: Considerations and challenges. Journal on Excellence in College Teaching 11, nos. 2/3: 11-26.
- Hodgson, C., and S. Cicmil. 2006. Are projects real? In Making projects critical, ed. C. Hodgson and S. Cicmil, 29-50. Basingstoke: Palgrave Macmillan.
- Savin-Baden, M. 2007b. Learning spaces. Maidenhead: SRHE/Open University Press.
- Taylor, I. 1997. Developing learning in professional education. Buckingham: Open University Press/SRHE.
Cited by
Sorted by citations
Naseer, F., Tariq, R., Alshahrani, H. M., Alruwais, N., & Al-Wesabi, F. N. (2025) · Scientific Reports · doi:10.1038/s41598-025-10385-4 · Cited by 169
“Hanney & Savin-Baden (2013) 6 PBL fosters critical thinking and problem-solving skills but needs clear theoretical underpinnings.”
Doing, being, becoming: a historical appraisal of the modalities of project-based learning
Hanney, R. (2018) · Teaching in Higher Education · doi:10.1080/13562517.2017.1421628 · Cited by 41
Self-citation
Metadata
- Authors
- Hanney, R., & Savin-Baden, M.
- Affiliations
- North China University of Science and Technology (CN)
- Corresponding author
- Hanney, Roy
- ORCID
- Hanney, Roy
- Venue
- London Review of Education
- Publisher
- UCL Press
- Published
- 2013
- Volume
- 11
- Issue
- 1
- ISSN
- 1474-8460 (ISSN-L)
- 1474-8479
- OpenAlex
- W1997501858
- Cited by
- 81
- References
- 38
- Citations by year
- 2026: 2 · 2025: 5 · 2024: 4 · 2023: 5 · 2022: 5 · 2021: 7 · 2020: 10 · 2019: 13 · 2018: 10 · 2017: 4 · 2016: 6 · 2015: 5 · 2014: 4 · 2013: 1
- FWCI
- 25.80
- Type
- journal article
- Language
- en
- Open access
- bronze
- doi.org
- Locations
- London Review of Education (publishedVersion)
- DOAJ (DOAJ: Directory of Open Access Journals) (submittedVersion)
- Coventry University Open Collections (Coventry university) (submittedVersion)
- Pure (Coventry University) (submittedVersion, other-oa)
- The Open Collections (Coventry University) (submittedVersion)
- Topics
- Social Sciences › Education › Problem and Project Based Learning
- Physical Sciences › Engineering › Mechanical Engineering › Design Education and Practice
- Social Sciences › Psychology › Developmental and Educational Psychology › Innovative Teaching and Learning Methods
- Keywords
- project-based learning, problem-based learning, student engagement, criticality, dialogic learning, rationalism, university teaching
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