Read the material, memorise answers and ace the exams. Many people grew up learning this formula. Project-based learning activities flip that model on its head in order to personalise education and give it a practical edge.
Project-based learning, also known as PBL, is a student-centered approach to education that is based on the belief that students learn better through active participation and experiences.
PBL moves away from the teacher-centered model and encourages students to learn through activity. Students’ questions and creativity are used to guide the instruction. By actively participating in PBL, students can gain knowledge and skills that will help them in college and in life further. It is also a fantastic opportunity for educators and students to excel outside of the classroom.
In classrooms, PBL allows teachers to build relationships with students by serving as their coach, facilitator, and co-learner. The model also provides teachers with opportunities to build relationships with their colleagues and members of the larger community both in and out of the classroom.
The method does not approach learning as a subject-by-subject process. Because real-world problems are rarely solved with a single subject, project-based learning is frequently interdisciplinary. In order to navigate the PBL experience, students learn and apply knowledge from multiple subject areas.
Project-based learning is more complex and involved because it is not focused on recalling memorised information but rather on application. There are numerous project-based learning examples available for teachers to explore, ranging in duration and subject matter.
It is an excellent way to inspire creativity because it involves students working for extended periods of time on a complex project that is ideally relevant to a real-world challenge or question. They can do it individually or as a group.
For example, if the project were to build a garden as a class, this could involve:
- Planning the garden layout to scale, using design software (IT and mathematics)
- Investigating which wildlife is attracted to which flowers and how flowers are pollinated (biology)
- Creating a garden, digging and filling pots (Physical Education)
- Researching the role of gardens throughout history (history/culture)
- Reading about the depictions of nature in literature/or the work of nature poets (English literature/language)
- Cooking with the garden produce (food technology)
If your students are having difficulty in finding a stimulating subject, project-based learning that integrates it with other subjects can be beneficial.
The PBL tasks give students the opportunity to make use of technology, including any tools and applications.
Students’ research becomes more complex and meaningful as they seek solutions through a variety of means. PBL increases innovation by broadening the scope of students. Rather than perceiving subjects as separate entities, they get the chance to integrate their skills in order to provide meaningful answers to their questions.
PBL encourages students to take on real-world challenges and fosters critical thinking, problem-solving, and teamwork.
To influence project-based learning ideas and build your teaching skills for the classrooms of the future, consider joining the online teacher education programs offered by Exeed College in collaboration with premium, global universities.
The programs allow you to earn your degrees/qualifications in just a short period of time and are designed to fit the schedule of working teachers. The curriculum is designed with advanced topics that will prepare you to create meaningful learning experiences.
