This paper is supported by Understanding China · Translating China: Comprehensive Translation, Teaching Team Program of Northwest Normal University on Morals and Values Education throughout Curriculum in 2023: (Project No. 202320051343).
Abstract
Entering the 21st century, global educational reform is undergoing a profound transformation from “knowledge-oriented” to “literacy-oriented”. China’s new curriculum standards have also clearly established an educational orientation aimed at core literacy. Project-Based Learning (PBL) is an essential way of teaching that tackles real-world problems in natural environments and encourages students to actively build their own knowledge and essential literacy. Therefore, it is in line with the new direction of curriculum reform. Now it has been used to promote the quality of education, transform the system, and implement the fundamental task of fostering virtue through education. However, in current localized practices, PBL faces structural implementation dilemmas, such as teachers’ weak theoretical understanding and insufficient execution capabilities, students’ lack of autonomous inquiry and superficial group collaboration, inadequate supporting resources and rigid scheduling, and an overly result-oriented evaluation mechanism. Relying on Dewey’s experiential learning theory, constructivism, discovery learning theory, situated cognition theory, and multiple intelligences theory, this study systematically reviews the core connotation and basic procedures of PBL. On this basis, it proposes optimization paths from five dimensions, including strengthening teachers’ professional development, scientifically designing project themes, standardizing group collaboration mechanisms, constructing a diversified process-oriented evaluation system, and improving resource and institutional support. The study aims to facilitate the deep implementation of PBL, promote the development of students’ core literacy, and provide theoretical references and practical guidance for PBL implementation in primary and secondary schools.
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How to cite this paper
Research on the Implementation Dilemmas and Optimization Paths of Project-Based Learning from the Perspective of Core Literacy
How to cite this paper: Jing Lu. (2026) Research on the Implementation Dilemmas and Optimization Paths of Project-Based Learning from the Perspective of Core Literacy. Journal of Humanities, Arts and Social Science, 10(5), 590-597.
DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.26855/jhass.2026.05.014