What is meant by Project-Based Learning?
"Project-Based Learning is a dynamic approach to teaching in which students explore real-world problems and challenges. With this type of active and engaged learning, students are inspired to obtain a deeper knowledge of the subjects they're studying." - Edutopia, Feb 12, 2014
There is not a single accepted definition for PBL, but institutions such as the Buck Institute of Education and the Innovation Unit (through their REAL projects research supported by the Education Endowment Foundation) are recognised professional bodies that have defined certain key principles:
For those of us teaching art and design, the term Project-Based Learning (PBL) generally describes the type of common process many students follow when responding creatively to a brief, whether personal or problem-based. However, there are distinctions in that PBL, once considered within the context of 21st Century learning encompasses both collaboration and working in a more cross-disciplinary ways towards real-life briefs. As an art and design educator having to work with other subject areas, I have expanded my understanding of how art & design can be explored in different contexts and for different audiences.
Institutions like High Tech High in San Diego are great advocates of PBL as a method of teaching cross-curricular content as it brings together the rigour of academia and the application of knowledge and practical skills. For this reason, projects form the starting point for much learning although there are also discrete lessons for specific core subjects. Jeff Robins, the Head of Art & Design at High Tech High has produced a video that explains his process of working - see embedded video. I think it breaks it down well although think that there are other ways to run projects. |
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