Project Based Learning

 Project-Based Learning Research

It is important to our project group to support our decisions with underlying theory and research. Therefore, we conducted research to support the methodology that shapes the entire learning situation: Project-Based Learning.

What is Project Based Learning?

Project Based learning is when students collaboratively work together, through a series of stages, to solve a real-world problem. The stages follow the order: project selection, preparation, implementation and evaluation. Throughout each stage, the teacher serves as a facilitator where they solely guide and advise, rather than manage all the children’s work.

What are the benefits?

Educational philosopher, John Dewey argued that when children select a problem that is relevant to them and engage in real, meaningful tasks to solve it, they develop real personal investment.  

Moreover, the kind of social interaction involved in project-based learning results in the best learning. Children learn to share and respect ideas to achieve a common goal within the project.

Through solving a problem, learners develop critical thinking skills because they are challenged in a variety of diverse tasks. This is an essential skill that is highly transferable to other areas.

As children are central within the learning experience, they have freedom to explore their interests and foster creativity in tasks.

Overall, this contributes to 21st century skills which ultimately prepare children for the Knowledge Society.

References: 

Blumenfeld, P. C., Soloway, E., Marx, R. W., Krajcik, J. S., Guzdial, M., & Palincsar, A. (1991). Motivating project-based learning: Sustaining the doing, supporting the learning. Educational psychologist, 26(3-4), 369-398.

Krajcik, J. S., & Blumenfeld, P. C. (2006). Project-based learning (pp. 317-34).