PROJECT-BASED LEARNING AS A TOOL FOR CRITICAL THINKING DEVELOPMENT
Abstract
Project-Based Learning (PBL) has emerged as an innovative pedagogical approach that actively engages students in problem-solving, collaboration, and knowledge construction. Unlike traditional teacher-centered instruction, PBL emphasizes inquiry, exploration, and the application of knowledge to real-world contexts. This article examines the role of PBL in fostering critical thinking skills among learners across different educational levels. It highlights how PBL promotes analytical reasoning, creativity, and decision-making through hands-on projects that require students to evaluate information, formulate hypotheses, and present solutions. The study also discusses the challenges educators face in implementing PBL, such as assessment strategies, resource limitations, and the need for teacher training. Findings suggest that when effectively designed, PBL significantly contributes to the development of critical thinking, problem-solving, and lifelong learning competencies, preparing students for academic and professional success in the 21st century.
Keywords
Project-Based Learning (PBL); Critical Thinking; Active Learning; Student-Centered Pedagogy; Problem-Solving; Collaborative Learning; Innovation in Education; Higher-Order Thinking Skills.How to Cite
References
Bell, S. (2010). Project-based learning for the 21st century: Skills for the future. The Clearing House: A Journal of Educational Strategies, Issues and Ideas, 83(2), 39–43. https://doi.org/10.1080/00098650903505415
Blumenfeld, P. C., Soloway, E., Marx, R. W., Krajcik, J. S., Guzdial, M., & Palincsar, A. (1991). Motivating project-based learning: Sustaining the doing, supporting the learning. Educational Psychologist, 26(3–4), 369–398. https://doi.org/10.1080/00461520.1991.9653139
Dewey, J. (1938). Experience and education. New York, NY: Macmillan.
Hmelo-Silver, C. E. (2004). Problem-based learning: What and how do students learn? Educational Psychology Review, 16(3), 235–266. https://doi.org/10.1023/B:EDPR.0000034022.16470.f3
Kokotsaki, D., Menzies, V., & Wiggins, A. (2016). Project-based learning: A review of the literature. Improving Schools, 19(3), 267–277. https://doi.org/10.1177/1365480216659733
Larmer, J., Mergendoller, J. R., & Boss, S. (2015). Setting the standard for project-based learning. Alexandria, VA: ASCD.
Thomas, J. W. (2000). A review of research on project-based learning. San Rafael, CA: Autodesk Foundation.
Tiwari, A., Lai, P., So, M., & Yuen, K. (2006). A comparison of the effects of problem-based learning and lecturing on the development of students’ critical thinking. Medical Education, 40(6), 547–554. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-2929.2006.02481.x
Walker, A., & Leary, H. (2009). A problem-based learning meta-analysis: Differences across problem types, implementation types, disciplines, and assessment levels. Interdisciplinary Journal of Problem-Based Learning, 3(1), 6–28. https://doi.org/10.7771/1541-5015.1061
Zafirov, C. (2013). Project-based learning and creativity. International Journal of Humanities and Social Science, 3(9), 44–50.
License
Copyright (c) 2025 Dilorom Xodjimetova

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.