Benefits of Project-Based Learning in Primary Education

Introduction

The purpose of learning is to educate children about new concepts while keeping them engaged in the learning process. There are different techniques for learning and disseminating education. One such is project-based learning. Project-based learning is classified as an integrative and immersive method that exposes a child to a lot of information while keeping them entertained and giving them practical knowledge with a perspective that is more real-life oriented.

It provides kids with the opportunity to form strong relations with the teacher and also fosters a classroom that constantly strives to do better. Learning in a project-based environment focuses on providing hands-on experience to kids with the help of different experiments and learning-by-doing approaches. Children are given different types of projects in assignments where they get the opportunity to explore or beat topics to enhance their knowledge.

How is Project-Based Learning Different

Project-based learning is a rather unconventional approach that uses techniques that are more student-centric and gives the child the ability to handle real-world situations and problems. In contrast with the traditional approach that focuses on retaining information through textbooks, project-based learning is more coherent as it focuses more on communication, group work, and teaching kids with actual skills. Students get the ability to choose different types of projects works, presentations, and research methodologies to support their learning. This is a deviation from the conventional parts that students are supposed to follow while learning at school.

Top Benefits of Project-Based Learning

Let us have a look at some of the top benefits of project-based learning at school.

• Focuses on Teamwork

Collaboration and teamwork are important parts of the approach that project-based learning follows. Children are made to work in groups and give their output towards a common goal which can be an assignment, presentation, a project, or anything else. This helps build a sense of community among children and allows them to work in groups where there might be clashing opinions, but the goal is to give their best. Students make positive relationships with not just the teachers, but also with other students in the class.

• Makes a Child Confident

A soft skill that a project-based learning approach fosters in a child is great self-confidence and reliance. By constantly working on various types of activities to support learning, a child increases their knowledge massively. This helps them become more confident about themselves. Project-based learning approach also encourages kids to come forward and speak their thoughts. Hence, a child who might initially hesitate to speak publicly slowly starts getting a lot better. Continuous involvement in such stimulating activities allows the child to break out of their shell.

• Conceptual Clarity

Many times, a child might not grasp the concept fully from the textbook. However, with the right kind of supporting activities and evidence-based learning, a child may develop a greater understanding of the concept. When a child understands a concept conceptually and does not just memorize the theoretical part, they are more likely to remember it for a longer time. The in-depth understanding of their knowledge encourages them to study more.

• Makes Learning Interesting

Sometimes a student may struggle with studies because they don't find it engaging. Hence, they have a difficult time spending fixed hours on studies. But project-based learning is a great way to make studying fun. It is an approach that involves the usage of different types of activities, scientific experiments, presentations, and whatnot from time to time. Such variety keeps the child engaged and helps foster a more immersive environment that keeps the child interested in a long time.

• Creativity

By working on different types of projects, the child has to constantly think of new ideas. Perpetual brainstorming allows the child to generate new ideas that are authentic yet applicable to the current requirement. This makes the child a creative thinker and explores various possibilities in the field of studies. Constantly stimulated and active mind allows them to discover new things and get to the bottom of every concept to explore it fully.

• Perseverance

Facing roadblocks is a very common thing while learning through a project-based approach. It is not going to be a seamless road for kids and there might be times when they struggle with generating new ideas and working on presentations and projects. This teaches a child the importance of perseverance and believing in oneself. The ability to rise from failure and manage projects and assignments effectively is what makes a child more responsible.

• Dispute Management

When multiple kids work on a single project, disputes can be inevitable. However, what matters is how the kids effectively resolve these disputes and work towards a shared goal with a lot of grit and maturity. Since a project-based learning approach requires the kids to constantly work on different projects in groups, children are more likely to develop an effective dispute management machinery among themselves.

Conclusion

Project-based learning approaches can be a game changer as it can help in igniting curiosity and generating practical skills among kids. Parents and teachers can work in unison to make this happen and foster a more holistic sense of learning.