Project-based learning (PBL) is becoming a very popular teaching method, and is not limited to the K-12 environment. Western Michigan University’s EDT 3470 Technology for Elementary Education course has been delivered with a PBL model for several years both on-campus and on-line. I am fortunate enough to be a part of this endeavor as a Masters Teaching Assistant, and find PBL to be a very effective teaching method.
Article Review: Nastu, J. (2008). Project-Based Learning Engages Students, Garners Results. eSchool News. 12(1), 21-27.
In the article project-based learning is described as, “a systematic teaching method that engages students in learning knowledge and skills through an extended inquiry process structured around complex, authentic questions and carefully designed products and tasks.” (The Buck Institute for Education). PBL encourages students to “approach learning themselves” rather than having the instructor determine what is to be taught and expecting students to memorize and recite facts. Although students have autonomy while working on a project, there are guidelines and benchmarks established by the teacher.
PBL creates challenges for the instructor; autonomous student learning is just that…a project may take avenues that the teacher did not plan for. Additionally, project “scope creep” can make it difficult to repeat projects year after year, consequently requiring teachers to create new projects more frequently as compared to traditional curriculum delivery methods whereby lesson plans are repeated annually.
Well planned learning projects are cross-curricular, encompassing material from a variety of subjects (math, language arts, social studies, science); this often leads to cooperation between teachers on the same project-based lesson. Additionally, the really effective projects involve outside experts and organizations in the community.
Good projects take a considerable amount of planning, and it is important for school administrators to realize this and allow ample planning time for teachers…the outcome will be enhanced learning and increased synthesis of material.
Do you have experience with PBL that you can share with me?
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