In the age of cut-throat competition, students need to be prepared for the 21st century world. This should be the hallmark for any educational system, i.e. to adapt as per the changing world. To realize this, we have to empower students with project-based learning. Thus, conventional models of rote learning need to be replaced that are not very efficient. Traditional approach fails to implement knowledge in the right prescriptive way. Therefore the need of the hour is to opt for PBL that encourages students to be independent and problem solvers. Basically, its aim is creating a generation capable of adaptive and future-ready.
What exactly is the Project-Based Learning?
Project-based learning is a collaborative and instructional approach in an education system. It has many usages in the real-world situations as it facilitates learning through application. This also spurs the need for inquiry-based learning. Here, learning is based on in-depth investigation for which various projects are undertaken. So academic subjects need to be integrated with practical activities for enhancing the learning prospects. In the realm of PBL, students can undertake projects as their medium of learning in terms of:
- Field visits
- Experiment
- Presentation, etc.
Requisite Elements of Project-Based Learning
The sole idea behind project-based learning is to capture the attention of students by assigning them real-world problems. Then only it will provoke them to think logically and apply knowledge with the intent of solving the problem. There are certain elements that work in favour of this method of learning style such as:
- Researching and responding to solve a problem
- Critical thinking and communication
- Decision making
- Application of technology
- Opportunities for getting feedback
- Reviewing the project
So, the students take the responsibility of learning by doing and indulging in various projects of their choice.
Impact of Project-Based Learning
Project-based learning inculcates real knowledge about academic subjects. Further, it enhance skills like team-building and effective leadership. Actually this type of learning pushes students to learn from errors and make logical deductions. Hence the skill gained through a project will help students in future at their workplaces. In short, the benefits for students gained through PBL could be categorized as:
- Real-world adaptability
- Increased motivation
- Higher commitment
- Learning from errors
- Honing project management skill
Technology for PBL
Technology can be infused in the education system to nurture students to be curious learners. It assists students in researching the right topic from various sources. This gives an opportunity to explore and innovate. Otherwise, what we see are teachers covering the syllabus only, where the learning activities get marginalized. Therefore, technology is of paramount importance to break monotonous system and incorporate active learning by indulging students in knowledge-based projects. Moreover, technology enables students to access unlimited resources. If required, they can make cross-cultural collaboration with students from any part of the globe. So inquiry-based learning could be better shaped through technology only. Of course, the concerned teachers act here as facilitators. In a way, various educational technologies can be used adequately for promoting lifelong learning.
PBL paves way for Accurate Assessment of Learning Activities
In traditional classroom learning, we can’t measure skills and awareness level of students. Whereas through active learning let teachers assess various skills gained by students. The students also get an opportunity to showcase their potential by working independently. Therefore abilities of students and what is lacking could be easily evaluated through this project-based learning approach. As per the outcome, teachers can guide to initiate necessary steps to enhance their learning prospects.
Relevance of Project-Based Learning in Education
PBL has been effective to bridge the gap between theory and practical education. It truly promotes knowledge and facilitates better understanding about the specific subject. This is the reason, the majority of the curricula now-a-days are moving towards application based pedagogy.
Project-Based Learning is dynamic approach that helps students gain deeper knowledge of the subjects and connect concepts to the real-world problems. Want to incorporate this student-entered pedagogy and project-based AI activities in your classroom? Register for our free tutorial and download free e-book to explore more project-based activities for your students.