What is project based learning?
PBL is a concise form of learning in this present world. It is a teaching method where students learn knowledge and gain skills by working on a real-world problem or topic. They work on it for an extended period of time to get to a practical solution. They are presented with real life problems and complex questions that do not have a textual answer. Here the students create a product or presentation for a real audience as an evidence of their learnt knowledge.
How Project based learning (PBL) works?
General concept of PBL has a few common steps for the students to follow;
Ø Stage 1-
Identification of problem : It starts with a problem and students asking questions about the problem. They start to dissect it and to find out answers as to what the problem’s nature is, who the problem is concerned with etc.
Ø Stage 2-
Fabrication of potential solution paths : Students are given the space to brainstorm ideas that could potentially solve the problem. This productive session allows them to voice their preferred ideas while others critically analyze them for the greater good.
Ø Stage 3-
Design a prototype of the solution : Based on the brainstormed ideas, students focus on designing a prototype. This stage aims to strengthen and expand the chosen concept to its optimal level.
Ø Stage 4-
Refinement of the solution based on evaluation feedback from the instructor : Throughout these steps from problem identification to evaluation is monitored by the teacher or course instructor, when the students think they’ve reached a solution and designed them then the final work of the teacher is to evaluate that and find the modifications that can be made to make the project better.
Key characteristic of project based learning
- PBL presents complex, open-ended questions.It challenges students to dig deep into their critical thinking ability. They need to do research and come up with solutions on their own.
- PBL curates solutions. Every student should think critically and offer their own perspective. This approach would result in a diverse set of solutions.
- Presents a choice of selecting a learning method for themselves- students are offered the autonomy of choosing what they make and how they make it.
- PBL has clear and well structured evaluation criteria- in PBL students are provided with the knowledge as to how they would be graded and what is expected of them. When students know what is expected of them they are more likely to succeed.
Now let’s bring some light on how project based learning is beneficiary for students;
Developed communication skills:
When students are interacting with their peers they are engaging in conversations and working in a team which is helping them to improve their communication skills.
Cultivated critical thinking ability:
PBL enables students to think deeply and critically which enhances their problem solving ability and makes them ready to face any challenge thrown at them.
Real life experience:
students are exposed to real life problems, they are up to date with the world and they can experience what real world problems are like and how they are solved.
Building professionalism:
Through teamwork and cooperative collaboration they are learning how to work in a professional environment. They learn to work under pressure, to manage crisis situations, and overall gain the maturity to work in harmony.
Team work:
The students learn to be a part of the team from a very early stage of their life. They learn to take and discuss criticisms and work on their weak points.
Nowadays project based learning is becoming popular in our curriculum. The scope for this teaching technique is vast. It has the potential to create more skilled and knowledgeable students. They can contribute their ideas in the real world. This method of learning should be encouraged and be included in more levels of education.
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Writer
Sadia haque
Intern of content writing department
YSSE