There is a sketch on 'learning by senses' as a deeper and underlying theory of learning. PBLs and experiential learning would fit into this framework.
Learning by Senses is about honing our senses to receive 'data' (without 'emotional entanglements') the to learn from sense-experiences. The main point is by improving sense-reception, process-computation, and reality-verification, we will improving our senses and our learning ability.
No, it is not my theory. No, it is more than that generic 'experiential learning' (experience gives rise to more persistent knowledge). It is 2554 years old. A form of it is so-called (Buddhist) 'meditation'.
Please see: 6. "A sense to connect, match, think and know" http://www.gotoknow.org/blog/learnersweb/385770