Project-Based Learning
What is it?
According to Kokotsaki et al. (2016), project-based learning (PBL) is a student-centered form of instruction which focuses on student autonomy, investigations, collaboration, communication, and reflection with real-world scenarios and applications. In a social studies class, these projects may take the place of traditional assessments. Instead, students will have to apply the knowledge they gained through the unit to create a something novel. While it may take more time, there are many benefits to incorporating PBL into your classroom.
Elements of PBL
In order to incorporate PBL into your classroom effectively, there are some key elements that should be considered. Project-based learning should:- Be focused on an open-ended question or problem
- Be based on what the students know academically and are able to do
- Be inquiry-based
- Utilize 21st century skills (i.e. critical thinking, communication, creativity, etc.)
- Include student choice/autonomy
- Provide opportunity for feedback and revision
If these elements, as stated in "Project-Based Learning: Benefits, Examples, and Resources" (2021), are incorporated into your classroom, you should see social, emotional, and academic growth among your students.
- Be focused on an open-ended question or problem
- Be based on what the students know academically and are able to do
- Be inquiry-based
- Utilize 21st century skills (i.e. critical thinking, communication, creativity, etc.)
- Include student choice/autonomy
- Provide opportunity for feedback and revision
If these elements, as stated in "Project-Based Learning: Benefits, Examples, and Resources" (2021), are incorporated into your classroom, you should see social, emotional, and academic growth among your students.
Why choose PBL?
Deeper Understanding of Content: Project-based learning allows students to dive deep into a topic of their choice ("Project-Based Learning: Benefits, Examples, and Resources," 2021). In order to do this in a social studies class, they need background knowledge which are provided by the daily lessons. These lessons culminate into a project that is based on their content-knowledge but has room for student autonomy, keeping them engaged throughout the process (Gonzalez, 2016).
Builds Critical Thinking Skills: By having students investigate a question or problem of their choosing, they must use their critical thinking skills. Studies have shown that students in a PBL environment had a significant advantage in their critical thinking skills than students in a traditional classroom (Sasson et al., 2018).
Uses Collaborative Teamwork: While these projects can be created independently with collaboration coming into play during the feedback and revision process, there is the opportunity for students to collaborate in the form of a group project. This helps develop teamwork, effective communication, and problem-solving skills which are all 21st-century skills (Gonzalez, 2016).
References
Gonzalez, T. (2016). Project based learning: Start here. Cult of Pedagogy. https://www.cultofpedagogy.com/project-based-learning/
Kokotsaki, D., Menzies, V., & Wiggins, A. (2016). Project-based learning: A review of the literature. Improving schools, 19(3), 267-277.
Project-Based Learning: Benefits, Examples, and Resources. (2021). PowerSchool. https://www.powerschool.com/blog/project-based-learning-benefits-examples-and-resources/
Sasson, I., Yehuda, I., & Malkinson, N. (2018). Fostering the skills of critical thinking and question-posing in a project-based learning environment. Thinking Skills and Creativity, 29, 203-212.
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