Project-based learning is an educational philosophy based on the concept of 'learning by doing'. Although project-based learning is a 21st century buzz-word, 'learning by doing' or 'experiential learning' is as old as education itself. From early First Nations to Socrates and Aristotle and to more contemporary Dewey and Kolb, experiential learning is a tried and true method. Project-based learning gives an end goal or purpose to these experiences.
My experiences with project-based learning:
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| Heick, Terry. (2013). The Difference Between Doing Projects And Learning through Projects. Retrieved from http://www.teachthought.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/ project-based-learning-versus-doing-projects.jpg |
- Improved retention of information
- Better performance on standardized tests
- Improved problem solving
- Develop collaboration skills
- More positive student attitudes toward learning
- Inderdisciplinary learning
- Community involvement
- Real life application
The video by The Buck Institute of Education explains some of these benefits.
So how do you do it?
Project-based learning requires detailed preparation, modifications and reflection. Edutopia has a clear guide for implementing and refining project-based learning which is summarized here. The process begins by determining a large question or task that is relevant and important for your students. Next, the teacher creates a plan for the project which includes molding the project to curriculum, available resources, the community and other subject areas. Next, create a schedule. It should be determined when the project should be done and what work time will be available; the teacher should also set deadlines for smaller steps to keep students on track. The teacher will monitor the progress of students and adjust the parameters or due date as needed; this stage will also include teaching skills that students need along the way (research skills, note taking, information processing and subject specific skills). Both the teacher and students will assess the outcome at each step and after the final submission; encourage self-assessment when possible. Finally, the students should reflect on the experience. Did they struggle as a group? What did they learn? What would they do differently if they were to do it again? Both teachers and students can use this information in the next project. By following these steps, project-based learning can be applied in a variety of classrooms and contexts.
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| Luca, Jenny. (2012, Oct. 19) PBL Learning Cycle. Professional Learning Practice. Retrieved from http://plpnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/PBL-300x274.png |
Further Resources
Edutopia resources:
http://www.edutopia.org/project-based-learning
http://www.edutopia.org/project-based-learning-guide-implementation
https://www.pinterest.com/edutopia/we-3-pbl/
Experiential learning:
http://firstnationspedagogy.ca/experiential.html
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Experiential_learning
References:
Boss, Suzie. Edutopia: Project-Based Learning: What Experts Say. Retreived from http://www.edutopia.org/project-based-learning-experts
Buck Institute of Education. (2010, December 9) Video. Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LMCZvGesRz8&spfreload=10
Edutopia: How Does Project-Based Learning Work? Retrieved from www.edutopia.org/project-based-learning-guide-implementation
First Nations Pedagogy: Experiential. Retrieved from http://firstnationspedagogy.ca/experiential.html
Heick, Terry. (2013). The Difference Between Doing Projects And Learning through Projects
Hi Sam, great insights on the value of project based learning (PBL) in today’s classrooms. I found it incredibly easy to follow what PBL is and how you would utilize it through sharing your personal experience with it. Your hyperlinks, pictures, and video added on to the knowledge you provided, supplementing your information with multiple perspectives that really helped me grasp the concept even further. While you discussed the many benefits of PBL, did you come across any negatives while doing your research? I think comparing the two would have provided just a bit more information for those unclear on the topic, ultimately helping them make a more educated decision on whether or not it would be something they would use.
ReplyDeleteMy favourite part of PBL is the role of both the teacher and the student in assessing the outcome of their project. I remember being in high school and getting the opportunity to participate in a PBL project. This aspect made me feel like I was in control of my learning as I was able to choose the direction in which I wanted to go and really empowered myself to succeed. Finally, do you think that the reflection stage of PBL is successful because it really gives students an opportunity to develop their growth mindset? Or is it simply an important step in its own right?
Hi Sam! Thank you for a very insightful and informative post on project-based learning. I really enjoyed the quote you provided at the very beginning of your post! It grabbed my attention and appropriately supplemented your topic about project-based learning. In your first paragraph, I also admired how you found a connection between historical figures such as Socrates, Aristotle, Dewey, and Kolb to the project-based learning approach. Furthermore, I think your ideas and information are well organized and structured on your blog. You incorporated videos, pictures, and links inside the body of the text very creatively! I liked how the advantages for project-based learning are clearly laid out in bullet format and your titles were underlined and easy to read. One thing I would change would be to space out your paragraphs a little more to make it more aesthetically pleasing, but great job!
ReplyDeleteI really like project-based learning myself and I enjoy how it has real life application properties. In high school, some teachers did not use this method of learning and I often felt bored in class because I saw no connection/significance to how this course or content would help me in the future or real life. Therefore, I would lose motivation to succeed and do well in those courses. Project-based learning is an approach that helps to foster motivation and deep learning, as it can help improve your retention of information!
Hi Sam, thank you for the insightful post on project based learning. The post was very easy to follow, very informative and I quite enjoyed reading your personal experiences with project based learning. The video and pictures that you incorporated into this post really helped me to understand this type of learning and how to implement it in future classrooms. In your research and personal experience of the topic have you ever come across any negatives of project based learning? This project based learning can coincide with the growth mindset and really help students to grow and truly become successful in the classroom. Even if students do not make a benchmark they can pick themselves up and use a growth mindset to learn and succeed and strive towards the next benchmark.
ReplyDeleteAlthough I have never had the privilege of experiencing a project based learning classroom I believe that it would have made my schooling more positive and enjoyable. For me the traditional classroom was often boring and repetitive with no real deep learning taking place. If I were in a project based learning classroom it would have given me the opportunity to be motivated in the classroom and really take an interest in what I was learning.