Project-based learning - what are its benefits

Project-based learning is one of the pedagogical methods used in an active approach to knowledge acquisition. Find out more about it!

One of the most modern approaches to education today is Project Based Learning (PBL), which is where students develop their own active learning skills. It is a new method of teaching and learning that puts the child at the center of their own educational process.

The more traditional dynamics of a teacher-led classroom that passively provides students with information is becoming less and less popular in modern education. Project-based learning (PBL) offers much more advantageous advantages. The essence of PBL pedagogy is to ensure that the learner is the main driver in their learning process.

This methodology involves a dynamic classroom approach where students are believed to acquire deeper knowledge by actively seeking real-world challenges and problems.

By focusing on PBL, each member of the educational community helps students gain the skills and autonomy needed to complete their projects so that they can learn to solve day-to-day problems on their own.

What does project-based learning involve?

Project-based learning is one of the pedagogical methods used in an active approach to knowledge acquisition. Contrary to traditional passive knowledge transfer methodologies, PBL focuses on the messages and experiences that students develop themselves, which facilitates their motivation.

As a result, the effects are much more satisfying. In addition, another aspect that distinguishes PBL from other methodologies is how much the roles of teacher and learner differ. The teacher is the leader in the active learning scenario and the student takes a more active role in his own education.

Another key feature of PBL is the ecosystem-based approach to education. This means that everyone in the system should actively implement this kind of educational approach.

Likewise, teachers need to analyze all the numerous factors that can influence development as they are interrelated. The role of the teacher is to be the facilitator or guide who orientates the students when they start different projects.

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Project-based learning - how to develop a project?

The development of a PBL project consists of three phases:

• The first phase. The student sets the parameters for starting the project, including goals, content and tasks that he will have to complete. The topic of the project should reflect the interests of the student. Therefore, the teacher will have to take this into account when helping the student choose a topic.
• Second phase. The student starts his project and defines the end product. For example, a recent project could be a brochure or a science project. Through teamwork, students conduct research and reflect on their findings. They can prepare a presentation for the whole class.
• Third and final phase. Students independently evaluate their results and the entire project management process, as well as the final product. They develop a project in stages and evaluate what they have learned before working out the end result. In this way, the students learn more deeply. It is also worthwhile for them to evaluate what they could do better next time.

What are the advantages of using this pedagogy?

Students search for information on their own and create their own content in the PBL methodology. They also learn to discuss emerging problems and reflect on the quality of the information they collect. Focusing on more than just the end product - increases students' motivation to learn and be independent.

There was a better understanding of the concepts, the acquisition of a broader range of knowledge, improved communication and interpersonal / social and leadership skills, increased creativity and improved communication.

Pupils and students who participate in project-based learning learn much more, faster and develop better skills. In addition, they remember more and for longer than in a typical teaching model.

They improve teamwork skills, show greater effort and interest. They learn to make presentations and have a deeper understanding of academic and everyday concepts.

Finally, project-based learning entails a re-conceptualization of the teaching process and of education as a whole. It is a pedagogy better suited to the innovative requirements of modern society. It will help support a new generation of creative and forward-thinking students.