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Higher education in the 21st century is challenged by incremental, transformational, and disruptive changes that have become both systemic and universal due to: rapid turnover of technology; increasing porosity of transnational borders; proliferation of cross-disciplinary research, structures, and curricula; intensified competition for human and material resources; relentless global focus on innovation; and, the general trend towards optimized acceleration in a race against time. The Project-Based Learning (PBL) methodology has become popular due to its hands-on, learner-centered, and team-oriented stance. PBL promotes problem-solving skills through multidisciplinary teams to enhance employability in a competitive ecosystem. This study presents an accelerated PBL model infused with: Self-Directed Learning (SDL) skills; Project Management (PM) efficiencies; and, effective Change Leadership (CL). This interdisciplinary model uniquely combines inquiry-based learning (PBL and SDL) with a ´soft´ skill (Change Leadership) and a ´hard´ skill (Project Management). Educators and learners are encouraged to apply the Accelerated PBL Model to enrich, energize, and empower pragmatic education.

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Victor S. Sohmen, Ph.D., Ed.D., Fellow of the Online Learning Council, Drexel University, teaches and researches Project Management/Leadership. A former foreign-going Ship Captain and recipient of the Canadian Governor-General´s Gold Medal for Academic Excellence (1996), he lives in Philadelphia with his wife Helen and daughters Serena and Sharon.

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