Project-based learning- A new approach to learning

In America project-based learning has become so victorious that a huge amount of $128 million is being spent on reconstructing the campus and redesigning the syllabus focusing on techniques to teach, in a school in Washington.

Lecture style will no longer be seen in classrooms. More of group meeting spaces will be incorporated, for teachers and students to work on a project.

The teacher's role is being redefined at Wheaton High School. Civil engineering teacher informed that he has stopped answering the students straight when they have a doubt, instead he follows the new method of making students discover the answer. "You have to do this for your own good. This is real life. If you want to be more adult, this is it." is what his response is when the students criticise him for his approach to clearing doubts.

Project-based learning- A new approach to learning

Making students solve the problems on trial and error method on their own is a concept that already exists. Students learn how to work on real life predicament in project-based learning which is a step ahead when compared to trial and error method of learning.

Instead of following a timetable set for a week, teachers plan out an idea that includes various skills students would need to learn for a project that has an inference in the real world.

The bacteria's role in figuring out the soil's health is being explored by the students of King Middle School in Maine. A Soil Superhero Pamphlet is produced by the students as a part of the programme. This includes all of the fields of education like, Science, Maths, Arts, History, English, multi-media etc. For instance, in knowing the size of a bacteria, a student's knowledge on maths is developed.

The pamphlets were distributed to local centers of garden, flower show and at universities. And the soil experts were presented with the students' work. This took a great deal of planning and the results were a happy bunch of students who saw the value of their work.

Project-based learning is a realistic approach to learning, which is being considered at schools in other part of the world, for better teaching and learning experience.