According to Edutopia.org, Project-based learning, or PBL is a dynamic classroom approach to teaching in which students actively explore real-world problems and challenges. With this type of active and engaged learning, students are inspired to obtain a deeper knowledge of the subjects they’re studying. After researching the different types of learning approaches, I finally decided to write a blog about Project Based Learning.
As a future teacher, it’s important for me to use PBL in my classroom since it seems to incorporate all the common cores such as English, Math, Science, Social Studies, and Art. Of course, it also depends on which Standards the project is addressing. As I was Googling on the Internet, I came across a great article written by Andrew Miller, who is an Educational Consultant and Instructional Coach. 6 Strategies- PBL According to his article: 6 Strategies for Differentiated Instruction in Project-Based Learning, when a teacher uses this learning approach, it focuses on the students, because it’s “student-centered, student-driven, and gives space for teachers to meet the needs of students in a variety of ways,” says Miller.
When a teacher uses PBL approach, the classroom might be divided into groups who will be, choosing what to “produce,” conducting, researching and exploring on their own. The students will be engaged on what they are doing, communicating with other students, testing different solutions, suggesting, articulating, performing, and most important of all, working collaboratively with few to no teacher interaction on telling them what to do and how. We must also “differentiate the best suitable learning environment for every student,” says Miller. At this point the classroom space should be organized in a way that helps students learn better. The classroom should be well equipped with tools necessary to complete the tasks, areas that have good light, tools to do research, example: internet, books, iPads, and libraries. Classroom time should be spent doing research,personalizing learning goals, testing, and asking questions. Students should engage with each other while giving and taking opinions and looking for solutions.
The video below shows how students use PBL in an aviation class while constructing different wings…
“It’s very important for teachers to assess and check along the way to make sure students can show what they have learned so far on their project.” By doing so, it helps teachers to “differentiate the type of instruction needed as they “feed forward,” says Miller. Using PBL in the classroom can also have advantages and disadvantages. But we must also remember and keep in mind that every student shows what they have learned in a different way. And that every student has different learning styles. Teachers must also ensure that students are working as a team and collaborating with each other, while welcoming different ideas from the students.
Over all, PBL can help in many ways in the classroom if used correctly. This type of learning should allow students to make their own choices on what they want to learn and how. Students will become creative while exploring real-world problems and challenges.