Project-based Learning for the 21st-century Learner

Project-based learning (PBL) is an opportunity for students to gain knowledge and experience by working on something over an extended length of time, with the facilitation of their teacher. PBL allows students to extend on curriculum content, form and work towards their questions of inquiry, and reflect on what they have taken in from the entire experience.

I feel PBL is even more important for the 21st-century learner because of the added experience it can add to specific skills need to be successful.

Collaboration: With the advancement of technology and internet access, PBL offers students an opportunity to learn collaboration skills with their classmates as well as people who could potentially be on the other side of the world. Students can simultaneously work on and build documents through google drive. An e-mail to a major company requesting further information could be sent. The tools are all there for teachers to help facilitate collaboration that is necessary during this time.

Research: Gathering potential facts and data is not the same now as it was 30 years ago. Students can hone their research skills through PBL and learn how to use the internet effectively. Teachers can aid students in this process and help ensure students know how to find valid information on the web.

Creativity: Depending on the teacher's requirements for the projects, students can take advantage of numerous software's and video channels to put together final projects.

Below is a video about the importance of the bolded terms above in the classroom today.

 Dave