Project-based learning is a perfect example of ‘learning by doing’.
Students are assigned a project that requires knowledge, brainstorming and coming up with the proper solution.
Right from pre-primary class to senior secondary, project-based learning benefits students by increasing their engagement, communication and problem-solving skills.
Raising the education standard, and seeing students doing more independent learning, is achievable through project learning.
Several research has been conducted to examine project-based learning's impact on students’ academics.
Researches are evident that the students facilitated by the right learning method, i.e. project-based learning show a higher number of campus placements than the students who don’t learn through it.
Seeing the importance of this learning methodology, it’s essential to understand project-based learning and ways to use it in a class.
So, let’s dig deeper!
Defining Project-Based Learning (PBL)
Project-based learning is often addressed through its abbreviation PBL.
PBL emphasise the problem-solving approach where students are given a project to complete.
These projects often bring a real-life problem, required to solve in order to reach a solution.
Classroom learning projects can be done individually or in groups.
Students first require to explore/understand the problem associated with the project, then investigate/research the problem, came up with the solution, and eventually apply it.
PBL develops independent learning, critical thinking, collaborative learning, communication, and a growth mindset among the students.
Ways to include PBL in a class:
PBL can be part of every core subject including Math, Language, Social studies, Science, accounting, etc.
I have seen students demonstrate the food chain/water cycle in the form of a project in their science class.
Some even extend their projects to 1-2 levels. E.g. explaining the benefit of rainwater by demonstrating the proper solution to it.
Being a math teacher, I experienced project-based questions' impact to secure new learning.
E.g. After teaching the concept of ‘Area’, students can be assigned a project learning task to draw a plan of two rooms, and one play area on their notebook, where a total space of 500 sq. cm.
Another example can be from the topic - Ratio. Students can be assigned to draw a plan for designing a swimming pool and basketball court as per the given ratio for the two sports areas.
PBL impact on student engagement
Learning based on a project shows significant growth in various skills including communication, critical thinking, problem-solving attitude, confidence, and collaboration.
Here goes the explanation.
Engagement:
Teaching a concept by its definition is one thing, and teaching a concept by its definition following an example is another.
Now in a third way, if students are asked to think of another example will improve students' participation, unlike the above two teaching ways.
Project-based learning provides full ownership to students of their work.
They can perform several trials to sort out possible solutions for a problem.
Collaboration:
Working in groups always bring a positive result, as it minimizes the chances of competition.
Also, project-based learning can be used by assigning different projects to different groups.
This brings students together. They feel open towards learning and want to show their talent to each other.
Put their one hundred per cent efforts to present the solution.
This way their inferiority goes down, and the spirit to learn by hassle increases.
Critical Thinking:
Thinking towards solving a problem sharpen the brain, and it’s applicable to all age groups.
When you read a problem you might not understand it properly, now you read it again, you’ll understand some part of it, on reading it the third time will give you some ideas to solve.
Yes, that’s quite a true statement.
Similarly, when students think of a solution they read the assigned projects, understand the challenge, figure out possible solutions and how to apply them.
Do you notice? Assigning a project based on a concept required a lot of thinking that eventually trains their brain.
Communication:
Completing a project individually or in a group required students to explain its process of completion.
Students are usually required to bring out their insights, challenges they face, solutions they come up with, and final conclusions.
Presenting all of it would make them good communicators over time by reducing their hesitation, and filling them with confidence.
Problem-solving:
Problem-solving is more about developing a personality that looks for possible challenges and thinks and works harder to solve them.
Taking classroom projects and thinking of possible solutions cultivate the problem-solving attitude in the students.
Gradually they’ll learn the concept, ‘every problem has a solution’ and it's up to you how you look at a challenge.
Adding project-based education to the curriculum is a must. The Conclusion
From explaining the term, Project-based learning to understanding its benefits, its importance for teaching is clear.
It’s wise to start implementing project-based learning in primary classes.
Instead of explaining more example questions, learners should try 1-2 project questions with the help of their teacher.
Project/activity-based questions can be solved on alternate days or two times a week.
Overall, adding at least one question after completing a topic should be a must to-do-task.
When this comes into practice students' learning will become interesting and students' participation will increase.
Facilitation seems impossible without the right teaching methods, and PBL is one such teaching method.
So, let’s begin practising project-based learning in our classes!
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