Theoretical knowledge is not enough to become successful in life. One must have practical experience and problem-solving skills to overcome challenges. The experience can be gained by adopting project-based learning in the early stages of life. Projects are the inevitable part of an education system that encourages students to learn and perform better. We all heard about project-based learning but didn’t have enough knowledge about it.
Project-based learning is an instructional approach that encourages students to learn by applying their knowledge through an engaging experience. In other words, project-based learning is a practical approach to gain knowledge and skills. It offers opportunities to learn deeper in context and develop important skills. In project-based learning, students often solve problems, conduct case studies, and promote research projects according to different subjects. The method encourages students to investigate real-life problems and find critical solutions for better change. According to a study, project-based learning improves students’ academic performance.
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Characteristics of Project-Based Learning
The project-based learning has its distinct characteristics that result in deeper students’ understanding. These are:
Inter-disciplinary
The teaching focuses on engaging students with real-world problems. It is an interdisciplinary approach because the knowledge of a single subject area is not enough. The projects require students to involve in inquiry and solution binding to address the challenge presented. As a result, students often use knowledge and skills from different academic domains to complete the project.
Rigorous
Project-based learning needs knowledge and skills, not just recall and recognition. When students involve in the work of the project, they follow the process of inquiry. Inquiry helps in deeper learning, not only of academic content but also the content related to real-world situations. The process can help in developing a solution that includes the challenge of the project.
Student-Centered
In project-based learning, students work more independently while teachers provide help when needed. Learning allows students to make their own decisions and demonstrate their understanding. It promotes the student’s independence, ownership of work, and workplace skills.
Essential Elements of Project-Based Learning
A meaningful project has some essential elements, which make it more understandable. These elements are:
Know and Understand the Project
The teachers can encourage students with lively discussion and initiates questions. By giving the project, papers can distract students. Students find it annoying when they receive projects by paper because they don’t know about the project. When the project given to them is exciting and lively, the students pay more attention to complete it.
Ask Questions
After understanding the concept of the project, the teacher should ask the crucial questions regarding the project. In this way, the students engage more with the project. By asking such questions, students can use their academic knowledge in real-life situations.
Inquiry-Based
Students find it interesting when they seek answers on their own. They conduct real inquiries and find the solution to the questions and search for resources. The classroom should value questioning, hypothesizing, and openness to new perspectives and ideas.
Some Modern Skills
The project must develop a student’s collaboration, communication, and critical thinking skills. The teachers should give students the opportunity for students to assess themselves.
Student Choice
The project-based learning includes the student’s choice and opinions. Teachers should provide limited options for projects so that the students can decide which project they want to work on. Students could even drive questions and structure their answers.
Feedback and Revision
Students must know that the first attempt may not be perfect, and they have to revise their work for better results. The students should ask for feedback about their work to gain new knowledge and improvement.
Presentation
After doing research, feedback, and revision of work, the students should effectively present their work. They have to represent their search methods, problems, processes, and desired results.
The Pros and Cons of Project-Based Learning
Every concept has its pros and cons, so have project-based learning. Below are some pros and cons of project-based learning:
Pros of Project-Based Learning
Deep Learning
The project-based learning replaces the traditional teaching method with real-life experiences. It promotes deep learning and helps to develop the learning skills of students.
Develops recalling and retention ability
The students can improve their retention and recalling ability. It involves group discussion, which is beneficial for students to learn something new every day.
Open-Ended Questions
Many problems included open-ended questions in project-based learning. This allows students of open discussions, retrieving information, and a better understanding of the concept.
Teamwork and Interpersonal Skills
The successful completion of projects leads to discussion and memorization of facts and concepts. It helps the students to build teamwork and collaboration skills.
Cons of Project-Based Learning
Need a lot of time and efforts
A project-based learning curriculum requires a lot of time and effort. It also requires constant monitoring of the student’s process.
Poor performance in theoretical tests
The students devote their almost time to practical learning and find it difficult to write standardized terms in exams.
School becomes more interesting when learning becomes enjoyable. Project-based learning is more comfortable and coming up with great ideas. It gives students a more integrated understanding of every subject area.
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