The teaching-learning process is not easy or simple, but it is very important and teachers have plenty of responsibilities to deal with the problems faced step by step. Nowadays the generation is digital and we have to answer to their needs. students have to be motivated and interested in all subjects. To reach this goal the best way is project-based learning. According to the curriculum, students have to grow into real citizens, so teachers have to focus not only to deliver knowledge but teach the worth of life.
What is project-based learning?
Project-based learning is a method of structuring curriculum around projects to promote learning of prioritized academic content. In project-based learning, students and teachers work together to identify the content and skills necessary to complete a project. These projects highlight the process of learning itself by offering authentic, inquiry-based activities for learners to access content and share ideas. In this method students learn by actively engaging in the real world, they are the main actors of the activity and they do everything with their hands themselves.
Why is project-based learning important?
Project-based learning is really important. Now I will try to explain why is it so useful and essential. Students have to work on the project for an extended period. That engages them in solving a real-world problem and answering a complex question. Students actively engage with project-based learning and try to solve the problems that are important to them and their communities. Project-based learning blends content mastery, meaningful work, and connection to create a powerful learning experience. learning experience plays a great role in personal growth. PBL can be transformative and flexible for students. Today we need young people who are ready to face any challenges and project-based learning will help us the most, I am sure.
Project-based learning is also very important because it allows a child to demonstrate his or her capability while working independently.
PBL leads to deeper understanding and retention of content knowledge. Students build on their skills and deepen their learning of applied beyond facts and memorization.
Project-based learning helps to develop valuable skills such as 21st-century success skills: working in teams, sharing ideas, collaborating, and solving problems... students learn to look at problems with a critical thinking lens, ask questions, and come up with possible solutions for their project.
Project-based learning is a powerful and great teaching method that has extensive benefits for students, ranging from critical thinking to self-confidence.
Students became more creative, they try to create an interesting and amazing product and make a presentation.
Three components of Gold Standard PBL
Our conception of Gold Standard PBL has three parts:
- Student learning goals (in the center of the diagram)
- Essential project design elements (shown in the seven sections of the diagram)
- Project-based teaching practices
What do students need in project-based learning?
8 Needs For Project-Based Learning In The 21st-Century
1. Connectedness (what does this project connect to? A community? A hope? An app? An existing project already in place? A social challenge? or Some kind of conflict?)
2. Meaning (meaning requires authentic audiences, purposes, and collaboration set in real, intimate communities)
3. Diversity (Diversity of purpose, scale, audience, digital media, potential resources, existing models, related projects, and so on)
4. Research (Researching the history of an issue or problem. Analyzing the credibility of information. Seeing how technology can serve or distract you from the meat of the issue. This kind of knowledge helps you turn a problem into an opportunity.)
5. A Necessity For Creativity And Critical Thinking (Lateral thinking, outside-the-box thinking, and taking the best from existing models are all part of 21st-century learning.)
6. Pivot Points (Perhaps the most modern of characteristics is the ability to be agile–to pivot as circumstances, data, and needs change. The world changes quickly, and the ability to adapt is an extraordinary sign of strength. Pivoting to a new digital media, audience, programming language, timeframe, purpose, or other parameters is crucial for 21st-century survival.)
7. Socialization (When students can ‘pivot’ within the development of a project, it shows they’re able to see both the micro details and the macro context–which is a pretty remarkable assessment in and of itself.)
8. Elegant Curation (Elegant curation is about saving a ‘thing’ while honoring the thing itself. Showcasing it without losing its meaning or fullness. Somehow capturing both that which is being saved and its context as well–and doing so in a way that makes it accessible to yourself and others as technology continues to change.)
PBL units motivate students and teachers and research has shown they result in higher qualities of learning. Continuing to teach the same way as before is not going to change student achievement. PBL may be the solution to better-preparing students for the real world.
In conclusion, I can say that project-based learning helps to:
· Increase the quality of learning
· Increase the student’s motivation
· Develop higher thinking skills, such as critical and creative thinking
· Develop social skills
· Develop presentation skills
· Solving problem skills
Teachers should implement project-based learning to enhance teaching quality and nurture real citizens.