Project Based Learning

The type of learning that I chose to research this week is project based learning.

The broad definition of project based learning is: a student-centered pedagogy that involves a dynamic classroom approach in which students acquire a deeper knowledge through active exploration of real-world challenges and problems. To me I define it as practice. You are practicing making a project for the real world, and by doing this you are learning.

Project based learning is important for many reasons. Some students get bored with sitting in class and memorizing everything that they can. They enjoy doing projects that are hands on because they are actually involved and can enjoy the experience more. Most adults live in a family of projects, so what better way is there to teach them and prepare them for life than through project based learning?

Click here to watch a video on project based learning.

There are many ways to use project based learning in all subject areas by just doing presentations. However, the subject I want to talk about today is shop class. The class room is full of tools and machines to use to make project. It is sometimes loud while students are working. Students can do a variety of things including wood work, welding, mechanics, and more. The class room space is mostly organized into work room so the students have plenty of area to practice their project. Class room time is mostly spent working on projects. Teachers can use this approach for many reasons. The students can make projects and sell them, they can make projects and give them to family for gifts, or they can make the projects to utilize themselves. This is not only giving the students opportunity but it is teaching them in a fun hands on way giving them the practice they need to do great in life!

There are clearly many advantages to project based learning. Some of these advantages include, kids have more fun with hands on, practice makes perfect, the result is always usable and more. Some disadvantages might include risk of students hurting themselves and risk of students staying on task when working at their own pace.

Click here to read John Larmer’s article on the seven essentials for project based learning.

Here are twitter accounts for teachers to follow!

Scott Benson           Matt Candler            David Haglund