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The process of teaching and learning can be made creative and enjoyable like never before with the technological advancement using project- based learning activities. My experiences with project-based learning in the higher education have been very positive. With the use of computer and other digital devices and tools interdisciplinary projects that students can work on has given them large number of opportunities to be competent in many disciplines while allowing them to connect knowledge from different domains. As project-based learning incorporates hands on student centered learning, it add more value compared to theoretical concept based classroom delivery. With a learning portfolio the learners progress through the curriculum experiencing developing their project, based on a specific plan and an end goal in mind, using the knowledge they have gathered through investigation and research.. Papert’s theory of constructionism state that best way to construct knowledge, or understanding, is through the construction of something shareable, outside of a student’s head. Generally, the end products or the project artifacts are commonly thought of as projects, even though most of the time the learning occurs during the project development process. |
Categories
My experience in project-based learning can be categorised into three main types as:
· Research focused project-based learning
· Community focused project-based based learning
· Work-integrated project-based learning
I have used all there types to enhance student’s knowledge and skills and to provide them an exciting learning experience.
The categorisation sometimes overlaps, with some projects belonging to more than one category. Most of the time community focused or work-integrated, they do encompass a research element. Providing project-based learning activities motivates learners to be innovative.
· Research focused project-based learning
· Community focused project-based based learning
· Work-integrated project-based learning
I have used all there types to enhance student’s knowledge and skills and to provide them an exciting learning experience.
The categorisation sometimes overlaps, with some projects belonging to more than one category. Most of the time community focused or work-integrated, they do encompass a research element. Providing project-based learning activities motivates learners to be innovative.
What makes a project-based learning activity successful?
There are number of key elements that make a project-based learning activity successful. Generally project-based activities need careful planning compared to other activities. The projects need to be realistic and if the projects are for a real client or a community then learners find the task more authentic and they take the responsibility of building a high quality end product. By providing real projects the learners feel that the work carried out gets valued and hence they takes more interest in the work that they carry out. Learners who take part in real world projects either for a community or work-integrated have shown more interest towards the project compared to hypothetical project.
How do you design a project-based learning activity?
Building a project-based activity is similar to creating any other learning activity. However, this process requires in depth planning, designing and mapping of the learning outcomes to real measurable project outcomes. In designing project-based learning activities I have followed the steps listed below:
· Identify the learning outcomes
· Match the learning outcomes to the project task
· Set goals and land marks (standards)
· Specify the key criteria and guidelines for the project activity
· Clearly specify the deliverable
· Allocate time to review and provide feedback at different milestones
Highlights of a project-based learning activity
Generally projects are carried out by a group of learner. Working in a team is one of the most important aspects that a learner gains by working in a team from its inception. Negotiation skills, communication skills and working according to plan. Project activities are remembered long after it is done, it creates a memory that links back to learning. Project-based learning helps learners to understand and apply their knowledge while retaining what they have learned in an effective manner compared to traditional learning activities.
Elements of a good project
• Purpose and Relevance
It is important to assign a project that is relevant to the subject that is delivered. It is also necessary to find out whether the purpose of the project allows the learner to investigate new ideas.
• Time
Allocate sufficient time for the project is a major factor to its success or failure. In the design stage when allocating time the learners capabilities, learning out comes and work load has to be considered.
• Complexity
The project has to be set considering the learning outcomes and the level of complexity that is required for the purpose. When combining more than one unit of competency to a project sometimes the activity could get over complex.
• Connectedness
Projects are great opportunities to be connected with the rest of the world. Learners gather information, from various sources, get assistance and source knowledge around the world with the use of latest technology. The learners connect to national and international experts, industry partners and other fellow students.
• Access
In the higher education sector many learners have access to large number of resources. Access is an important factor as it allows knowledge gathering and knowledge sharing.
• Shareable
When a project is either work integrated or community based, it is easy to the share the end product of the project. A research project has a different aspect of sharing either through publications or sharing findings through other means. The idea of sharing motivates learners to build complex, usable end projects.
• Novelty
Project based learning activities add novelty to learning. It also encourages learners to be creative and build innovative end products.