Project-based learning (PBL) is a model for classroom activity that shifts away from the classroom practices of short, isolated, teacher-centered lessons and instead emphasizes learning activities that are long-term, interdisciplinary, and student-centered. Project-based learning is centered on the learner and affords learners the opportunity for in-depth investigations of worthy topics. The learners are more autonomous as they construct personally-meaningful artifacts that are representations of their learning.

One immediate benefit of practicing PBL is the unique way that it can motivate students by engaging them in their own learning. PBL provides opportunities for students to pursue their own interests and questions and make decisions about how they will find answers and solve problems.Why do "PROJECT BASED LEARNING"? To improve education for all students.To transform teaching from telling about to doing. To provide opportunities for students to pursue their own interests.To allow students to make decisions about how they will find answers and solve problems.To facilitate student integration of the content of different subject.To teach children to use their minds well, apply what they learn in school to lifelong endeavours and to be technologically literate.PBL helps make learning relevant and useful to students by establishing connections to life outside the classroom, addressing real world concerns, and developing real world skills. Many of the skills learned through PBL are those desired by today's employer, including the ability to work well with others, make thoughtful decisions, take initiative, and solve complex problems.

What are the benefits of Project Based Learning?

offers multiple ways for students to participate and to demonstrate their knowledge
accommodates different kinds of intelligence (e.g., kinesthetic, figural)
can be matched to the learning styles of students suchAmina Boudjadja as learning alone by reading and reviewing, or learning in a group by reading and discussing
shifts students away from doing only what they typically do. For example, projects provide the means to give followers the experience of being task leaders
encourages the mastery of technological tools. Projects provide an ideal context for learning to use computer technology and graphic arts tools, thus extending students' capabilities and preparing them for the world beyond school
serves as a medium to involve students who don't usually participate
prompts students to collaborate while at the same time supporting self-directed learning.
offers a learning experience that draws on the thinking and shared efforts of several individuals
helps students develop a variety of social skills relating to group work and negotiation
promotes the internalization of concepts, values, and modes of thought, especially those related to co-operation and conflict resolution
establishes a supportive and non-competitive climate for students
provides a means for transferring, in whole or in part, the responsibility for learning from teachers to students
allows students to try out new skills and model complex behaviour in a non-threatening fashion
calls upon students to explain or defend their position to others in their project groups, so that their learning is more apt to be "owned," that is, personalized and valued

John Dewey theorized that learning should not only prepare one for life, but should also be an integral part of life itself. Simulating real problems and real problem-solving is one function of project-based learning. Students help choose their own projects and create learning opportunities based upon their individual interests and strengths. Project-based learning allows the teacher to incorporate numerous teaching and learning strategies into project planning and implementation. Projects assist students in succeeding within the classroom and will make learning a part of living, not just a preparation for it. Learners apply multiple intelligences in completing a project they can be proud of. Our society values individuals who can solve problems creatively, using multiple strengths, so why shouldn't we encourage students to do the same?

Engaged learners find excitement and pleasure in learning. They possess a lifelong passion for solving problems and understanding ideas or concepts. Engaged learners understand that learning is social. They are able to see themselves and ideas as others see them, can articulate their ideas to others, have empathy for others, and are fair-minded in dealing with contradictory or conflicting views. They have the ability to identify the strengths and intelligences of themselves and others.

 

Project Based Learning at WES The staff of Whitehorse Elementary School has for some time incorporated aspects of Project Based Learning into the various classroom programs as well as the Grade 7 Options program. We have also created many WebQuests in an effort to integrate technology into our programs which are examples of project based learning.

A good example of a PBL activity would be our Human Rights & iMovies project with Sofie's Grade 6/7 students.