The Importance of Project Based Learning for Classrooms

Learning the Skills Necessary to be a Problem Solver

An important part of what students need to learn in order to be successful in life is the ability to think critically and solve problems. Most often, it is reasoning skills we possess that will allow us to solve problems successfully and in a time efficient manner. Problem solving is not necessarily a skill that we are automatically taught by our teachers as we learn the general curriculum as students in school. Rather, critical thinking needs to be developed and nurtured for students to improve their ability to think about their method of solving problems.

What is Project Based Learning for Classrooms?

Project based learning  – sometimes referred to as “problem based learning” – is a unique approach to teaching students while developing their critical thinking and problem solving skills through collaboration with a small group of others, while combating problems and situations more commonly faced in ‘real-life’ than in the classroom.

With problem based learning lesson plans, the focus becomes much more on ‘student learning’ as opposed to the ‘teacher teaching’. In this manner, students are encouraged to become not just passive learners and note-takers, but rather critical thinkers who are highly capable of solving real-life problems that they are likely to encounter as they grow and mature into adults.

Within the small group collaborative effort, students are encouraged to facilitate a constructive investigation of a problem in which they are fully engaged in the learning project. The hands-on approach with this type of education really focuses on the student’s taking the initiative, rather than simply being directed by their teacher. As students learn from their mistakes, they are encouraged to make the necessary corrections and establish the proper channels through which to effectively solve the problem at hand.

Benefits for Students

There are many benefits for students from project based learning. They are inspired to gain a deeper appreciation for the subject at hand, and develop an interest in diving into the subject and gaining an enhanced knowledge of the subject. Studies have suggested that students who learn in this way are better able to retain the information they learned in class, as opposed conventional methods of passive learning and note-taking. This information can carry them through to adulthood where they can apply their learning experiences to solve future problems.

Students who partake in project based learning for classrooms often develop a greater ability to organize and research all subjects that they are enrolled in. Since they are learning collaboratively with a small number of their peers, they are able to develop their communication skills and effectively listen and pass information along to the group they work so closely with – a skill that is essential as an adult in the real world.

Students are evaluated on more than essays and exams. Rather, students are evaluated based on their projects and presentations. Rubrics allow teachers to evaluate the students based on the core curriculum.

Bring Problem Based Learning to YOUR Classroom!

At PBLSuperstore.com, we are fully aware of the challenges that both students and teachers face. As educators ourselves, we have designed project based learning units that can be easily adapted into your classroom. We have made our units easy to obtain with a simple download, so that you can begin the process right away.

Reap the benefits for both teachers and students alike that problem based learning offers.  Our intricately designed, ready to use units, take the guesswork and long preparation time out of the equation, making it easy to experience PBL as early as tomorrow! View our units and website to learn more about what problem based learning is all about, and how it can benefit you!