Exploring contributions of project-based learning to health and wellbeing in secondary education

Abstract

Regardless of the aims and purposes of education, recent trends in pedagogy suggest an increasing popularity of project-based learning (PBL) and a focus on interdisciplinary approaches to learning, however ill-defined they may be. Connections between PBL, curriculum trends and health and wellbeing are reviewed, as well as potential value of schools bringing the three together to enhance learning. Interviews were undertaken with students ( n = 37) following a range of 2-week residentials involving PBL to examine students’ perspectives on connections with prior learning at school, the approach to learning and any connections to health and wellbeing. The results from the hierarchical content analysis revealed five emerging themes. Implications for theory, practice and further research are discussed.