Project-based learning or PBL can be defined as a teaching method where students learn and gain knowledge by actively participating in actual-world problems and learning to deal with the challenges faced by them while they step in the real world and experience the real-life issues which are very different from the issues faced by them when they were in schools and colleges.
In project-based learning, teachers encourage students to work on a project which will assist them in learning how to deal with the issues and challenges that will be faced by them once they will leave the confinement of their classrooms and schools. It is very essential for the students to get the experience of dealing with actual challenges they will face later in life because those challenges and lessons will shape them and help them in becoming a better person. Through project-based learning, students get to learn and enhance their content knowledge, creativity, critical thinking skills, collaboration skills, and communication skills.
Lessons learned by project-based learning
Project-based learning is entirely different from working on a project individually. While you are working alone on a project, you are not learning anything new and repeating the same old thing written on the internet. However, if you are indulged in project-based learning, then you are using your high-order thinking skills. Project-based learning motivates students to work as a team and use their creative skills and knowledge to work on a project. It is very helpful in teaching the necessary skills and knowledge that will be beneficial later in life. Along with teaching from books, teachers must also focus on teaching practical things to students.
Key features
1. The main aim of project-based learning is to engage students in solving real-world issues. Solving a real-world challenge requires more than bookish knowledge. It requires a strong presence of mind and practical knowledge to solve the issue at hand.
2. While working on a project associated with real-world issues, students should try to apply the academic content into practical life. They need to learn and understand how content can be useful in dealing with problems faced in real life.
3. Students are independent to solve the PBL according to the way they desire. They do not have to be dependent on their teacher to give instruction. Instead, they can use their own creative mind and come up with a unique solution to solve PBL.
4. Project-based learning helps students in becoming skillful in dealing with issues that they will face once they step into the real world. Nowadays, to live in a global society of the 21st century, you must acquire certain skills and knowledge.
5. Project-based learning assists students in experiencing real-world careers. They can enhance and brush-up their skills with the help of PBL. Project-based learning is very beneficial in understanding the deeper concepts which are applied in life at a later stage.
Project-based learning is more than just a project. It is a unique and interesting tool of learning which guides students to deal with the issues and challenges faced by them in the later stage of life.