How to implement Project Based Learning in the Classroom?
Project based learning is a one of a kind method of learning which enables a student to acquire an in-depth knowledge of a wide range of disciplines by overcoming challenges and learning new skills. It essentially centers around an idea and the much required preparing and planning on how to go about the same.
PBL can be divided into two 2 categories which can be further subcategorized into 7 divisions each. The first category is referred to as The 7 Phase Model and it consists of the following:
- Introduction of the Driving Question: Introduce the students to a driving or an ‘essential’ question. This question is usually open-ended, compelling and based on a real world issues, which the students are required to answer before any instruction is given to them.
- Induction of the Culminating Challenge: Culminating challenge refers to a veritable assessment or presentation to a student demonstrating learning of the subject matter. This can be done via a discussion, website development, election simulation etc.
- Developing Subject Matter Expertise: Students are required to become experts in the subject matter through inquiry methods. They are provided with background information but are also required to explore new concepts
- Execution of the Culminating Challenge: Students demonstrate their new ‘expertise’ or learning of the concept to a teacher. Better judgment and guidance can be given if a subject matter expert or professional is brought in to critique the students on their quality of work.
- Debriefing Culminating Challenge: Debriefing or cross examining enables students to reflect on their project by writing assessments or general discussions. The opinion of a teacher or subject matter expert can also help in authentic and immediate feedback for a successful delivery.
- Responding to Driving Question: Asking students to respond to the driving question once again after assessment will make them have a deeper understanding of the new concept and enable them to see the difference in the quality of their new and old responses (if any) and better acknowledge their learning.
- Summative Assessment: A summative assessment is an important way to measure student learning. It is a measure of student proficiency on the acquired skills and concept.
