What do normal people mean by 'project-based learning'?

The phrase 'project-based learning' is typically used to describe an approach to education that centers around student-led, inquiry-driven projects. In this model, the student starts with a goal or project they aim to achieve and navigates their way towards it. The learning pathway isn't predefined; rather, the student learns as they progress, gaining knowledge on a need-to-know basis.

Conversely, the Nand2Tetris course, while project-oriented, adopts an approach akin to a traditional curriculum. The path is meticulously charted out from the outset. You begin with the most fundamental concepts (e.g., understanding a logic gate) and progressively construct more complex structures, culminating in a fully operational system. The sequence of learning and the projects are predefined by the course structure, not dictated by the student's initiative or inquiry. Thus, while both involve project work, the degree of student autonomy and the nature of inquiry diverge significantly between traditional project-based learning and Nand2Tetris.

I prefer the Nand2Tetris approach. I suspect that 100x as many people could complete Nand2Tetris, than could build tetris from scratch using a PBL approach, in some reasonable timeframe. Maybe ChatGPT makes this less true than it once was, because you're less likely to get totally stumped/blocked.

I've said this myself for many years.

For some reason I prefer to quote Feynman for it.