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Explore project-based learning, an extended process of inquiry and collaboration that focuses on critical thinking and authentic responses. Discover the advantages and disadvantages of this approach to education.
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What is it? • An extended process of inquiry in response to a complex question, problem or challenge • It is often situated learning • Projects are carefully planned, managed and assessed • Key skills are collaboration, communication and critical thinking • Focus on creating authentic responses and knowledge • The idea of “learning by doing” was first promoted by John Dewey (1897)
Answering the driving question • The driving question is open ended • Students need to used Higher Order Thinking skills • Students need to work as a team • Requires critical thinking, problem solving, collaboration and communication
Inquiry in the learning process • Develop and ask questions • Search for answers • Arrive at conclusions • Use these conclusions to construct something new: an idea, interpretation or product • The teacher is merely a facilitator- students are responsible for their own inquiry
PBL vs Traditional didactic approaches to learning • Traditional approaches present students with knowledge and concepts. Students must gain these to reach opportunities to apply them • PBL starts with a vision of the end product/ presentation/idea. Students create a context, and are engaged by developing a reason to learn and understand the information and concepts needed to complete the project
Advantages of PBL • Students are giving a voice in the learning process, learning to work independently and in teams, and must take responsibility for their project and learning • Students give and receive feedback during the process, to improve the final project outcomes (e.g. product) • Students are asked to reflect upon what and how they are learning, to improve their critical thinking and self evaluation skills • Students gain a deeper understanding of the key concepts and knowledge in a project
Some more advantages… • Projects can have real life applications, making the content more relatable for students • Students can improve their time and project management skills • Student social skills are enhanced
Disadvantages of PBL • Social loafing as described by Hye-Jung and Cheoli (2012), where some team members perform insufficiently, requiring other team members to pick up the slack • Social loafing can also lead to project standards being lowered to maintain team cohesion and congeniality • Social dynamics are not always assessed, despite these having a direct impact on the completed project • PBL is not applicable in all subject areas, such as in skills based subjects like Math (however it is highly useful in TAS subjects)