The Reasons Behind Going for Project-based Learning in Elementary Schools
Introduction
Project-based learning is a very effective way of understanding any concept, as it involves one going beyond the theoretical aspects of understanding something and experiencing it in a practical manner.
There are naturally many advantages of project based learning. For instance, a project involving making a model aeroplane would in all likelihood make a student understand the principles behind aerodynamics rather than a theoretical reading of the concepts.
What is Project-based Learning?
Project-based Learning is essentially a method of instruction that requires students to learn by using the knowledge and skills acquired by them and applying them in a practical manner via an engaging experience. What it does is empower students to learn at a deeper level, motivating them to strive for higher learning after they complete school.
Why is Project-Based Learning Important?
Project-based learning is important because it helps students obtain a deeper and, therefore, longer-lasting understanding of concepts. This helps elementary school students in their life ahead when they go in for higher studies.
Let us look at the benefits of project-based learning in some detail here.
Benefits of Project-Based Learning in Elementary Schools
1. Helps Students to Build Skills
There isn’t a better way for students to understand concepts than by practically bringing them to life and, in the process learning valuable skills. It is, for example, not enough to define a circle for students. They have to be encouraged to use a compass to draw it, which also helps them learn to use a geometry tool. This example can be extrapolated to other instances of imparting project-based learning to students to help build their skill sets.
Besides, 21st-century skills that include carrying out research, teamwork, problem-solving and the use of digital are best developed with the help of project-based learning.
2.Increased Engagement
Increased engagement is a natural outcome of project-based learning. It allows the students to use the skills they have learned in a practical fashion. This leads to enhanced interest and enthusiasm on the part of the students in what they are doing, leading to better engagement.
3.Collaboration
Project-based learning often requires students to work jointly and complete the project in question, giving them hands-on experience with learning to work with others and using modern tools of collaboration. This provides them with a vital 21st-century skill set that stands them in good stead in their life ahead.
4.It Enables Students to Be Innovative
When elementary students are asked to undergo project-based learning, they are expected to find practical solutions to problems presented to them as a means of learning new concepts. This makes them learn to think outside the box and come up with innovative solutions.
5.Builds Motivation
Nothing improves motivation more than practically being able to experience how one can put one’s learning into practice. It makes eminent sense for one to help students undertake the kind of projects that help them not only understand new concepts but also pick up skills that last them a lifetime.
6.Promotes Life-long Learning
Project-based learning requires the use of technology to empower students and teachers to stay connected beyond the classroom. Moreover, the students help in the creation of a knowledge bank that they add to throughout their lives as lifelong learners on account of project-based learning.
7.Better Knowledge Retention
There is better knowledge retention in the case of knowledge-based learning because it is easier to relate to concepts if one has seen them being practically applied. More importantly, the hands-on engagement that project-based learning entails helps students become self-sufficient in solving problems on account of better knowledge retention.
8.Sparks Creativity and Curiosity
Boring classroom lectures that are known to kill the creative instinct in elementary school students can be made more interesting by complementing these with knowledge-based activities. Doing so enables students to leverage their creativity and sparks their curiosity about what is being sought to be taught. This results in a much enhanced and deeper level of engagement.
9. Empowerment
Project-based learning leads to a deeper and better understanding of what is being taught than mere classroom lectures. This makes the students more confident in terms of their knowledge which empowers them to do better and make improvements in their academic pursuits.
10. Improved Critical Thinking Abilities
When elementary students are required to come up with practical out-of-the-box solutions to problems presented to them during the course of completing a project, they are required to use their critical thinking abilities to do that. That invariably leads to an improvement in their critical thinking abilities.
Conclusion
The benefits of project-based learning in elementary school are immense. It allows students to develop a deeper sense of engagement with the subject matter being taught to them and hone their critical thinking abilities. Project-based learning prepares elementary students for life in the collaborative digital age in the best possible manner.
The best elementary schools in Metro Manila and private schools in Pasig City are places where project-based learning is offered.