2.3. Project Based Learning
Project-based learning is a methodology that promotes the active participation of students and their learning through the implementation of projects with a series of specific objectives. Among the most outstanding aspects of this methodology, we find:
- It is a methodology focused on problem solving and application of theory to real world problems. Students work with projects that will allow them to investigate, plan and execute certain actions.
- Interdisciplinarity is an important element since this methodology addresses topics that involve different subjects, which encourages the interconnection of knowledge and skills from different subjects.
- Students become active agents of their own learning, make decisions, and collaborate with their peers in solving problems in a given context.
- Collaboration is key in this methodology that allows students to develop communication, negotiation and problem solving skills in teams to achieve common goals.
- It improves student motivation and engagement.
Project-based learning allows students to be involved in their own learning process, generating more authentic and meaningful learning. However, what do we have to take into account for its proper use in the secondary classroom? Here are some of the issues that you should consider in order to carry it out:
- The objectives must be clear and relevant. The first thing to do is to define the objectives you want the students to achieve. These objectives should be realistic, achievable and evaluable. You can also try to make these objectives relevant to the students’ reality.
- Select a relevant topic that connects with the students’ interests, which will help them to be more motivated throughout the activity.
- Create a key problem or question that will guide students throughout the project. It is important that it is well worded and understandable to the learners as they may need to return to this question throughout the project. You can add a challenging touch to this question to act as a challenge to push the learners.
- Divide the project into different stages or key milestones to be achieved. Allow time to research, collaborate, create.
- Consider when the plastinated resources will be introduced and how they will be used by the students. You must select the appropriate resources for the project and give students access to them. In addition, if the project requires it, you should complete the materials in the briefcase with sources of information that you can provide to the students or encourage them to look for them.
- When you are clear about the steps to follow in the project, assess what other subjects may be involved and how to relate them and integrate them into the work to be done.
- Define roles and responsibilities so that each student is clear about his or her role in the group. Depending on the age or maturity of the students, you can allow them to decide which role to assume.
- Define the evaluation criteria from the beginning and make sure that the students understand them.
- Act during the process as a support and guide and anticipate possible problems. Reviewing and monitoring the process is key to progressing correctly and not resulting in a final product that is not as expected.
- Encourage reflection on the project itself and on the use of the resources plastinated. Ask the students what they have learned and what the use of the plastinated resources has given them: have the plastinated resources allowed them to learn more than if they had not used them?
Project-based learning is a very powerful methodology, but it requires good prior planning. Do not leave room for improvisation and anticipate the difficulties that may arise. At the beginning you may encounter difficulties in carrying it out, but little by little you will see that the great results achieved will make the effort worthwhile