Embedded Files
Candice Mason
Three Learning Targets:
The student will be able to define Project-Based Learning (PBL).
The student will be able to explain why project-based learning is needed in the elementary classroom.
The student will be able to describe how project-based learning can be useful in the real world.
What is Project-Based Learning (PBL)?
Project-Based Learning (PBL) is an educational approach where students learn by actively engaging in real-world projects with their peers. Instead of traditional lessons, where students passively absorb information, PBL encourages active problem-solving, often in collaboration with others. These projects require students to research, apply critical thinking, and demonstrate their knowledge through a final product or presentation.
Research has shown that Project-Based Learning is effective in the classroom. For instance, Gerlach (2008) found that 56 elementary students who participated in PBL improved their emotional self-regulation (Gerlach, 2008). This approach promotes real-life learning and problem-solving skills, as opposed to memorizing inert knowledge. PBL involves a process where students use ideas to respond to an intriguing challenge, ultimately leading to an innovative solution (Woolfolk & Usher, 2023, p.428).
Why is Project-Based Learning Needed in the Elementary Classroom?
Numerous studies demonstrate the effectiveness of Project-Based Learning in improving various student skills. According to Shalihah et al. (2020), applying PBL significantly improved students' creative thinking skills when solving division challenges. This peer-reviewed study showed statistically significant improvement in post-intervention test scores using the Student T-test. However, more high-quality randomized studies are needed to explore additional applications of PBL to determine its full potential (Shalihah et al., 2020).
Despite promising results, there is not yet a consensus on the optimal age or specific teaching goals for using PBL. Ferrero et al. (2021) highlight the need for further research through meta-analysis to pinpoint the most effective uses of PBL across different age groups.
Does Project-Based Learning Work?
PBL isn't limited to elementary schools; it has been shown to work across various age groups and applications. Gerlach (2008) suggests that PBL is reproducible and effective, supported by randomized control studies and the scientific method. It can be used as early as elementary school and extends to real-world contexts, including business and public works (Scarbrough et al., 2004). Several studies have shown that children from kindergarten to eighth grade who engaged in PBL exhibited greater learning gains compared to their peers (Woolfolk & Usher, 2023, p.430).
Reflection and Conclusion
There is substantial evidence supporting the benefits of Project-Based Learning in elementary education. Teachers should become familiar with this approach and consider its timely application in their classrooms. Research shows that PBL improves students' math skills and regulatory behavior (Krajcik et al., 2023).
However, PBL should not replace more conventional teaching methods, such as direct guidance and contextual learning. I believe that a balance between different teaching strategies is key, and this balance may vary from teacher to teacher. When used appropriately, Project-Based Learning can be both enjoyable for students and provide them with valuable real-world knowledge that textbooks alone cannot offer.
References
Ferrero, M., Vadillo, M. A., & León, S. P. (2021). Is project-based learning effective among kindergarten and elementary students? A systematic review. PloS One, 16(4), e0249627. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.024962
Gerlach, D. L. (2008). Project-based learning as a facilitator of self-regulation in a middle school curriculum (Order No. 3322305). Available from ProQuest Dissertations & Theses Global. (89296190). https://www.proquest.com/dissertations-theses/project-based-learning-as-facilitator-self/docview/89296190/se-2
Krajcik, J., Schneider, B., Miller, E. A., Chen, I.-C., Bradford, L., Baker, Q., … Peek-Brown, D. (2023). Assessing the effect of project-based learning on science learning in elementary schools. American Educational Research Journal, 60(1), 70–102. https://doi.org/10.3102/00028312221129247
Shalihah, N. H., Dafik, & Prastiti, T. D. (2020). The analysis of the application of learning materials based on project-based learning to improve the elementary school students’ creative thinking skills in solving contextual division problems. Journal of Physics: Conference Series, 1563(1). https://doi.org/10.1088/1742-6596/1563/1/012044
Scarbrough, H., Bresnen, M., Edelman, L. F., Laurent, S., & al, e. (2004). The processes of project-based learning: An exploratory study. Management Learning, 35(4), 491-506. https://www.proquest.com/scholarly-journals/processes-project-based-learning-exploratory/docview/209873955/se-2
Woolfolk, A., & Usher, E. (2023). Educational Psychology (15th ed.). Pearson.
This image captures a group of first grade students engaged in a project-based learning activity.
Multiple Choice Questions
Which of the following is an example of project-based learning?
A. First grade students tasked with writing a book report.
B. First grade teacher going over multiplication tables with classroom.
C. First grade small groups coming up with a science project for a school competition.
D. All the above
The class is asked to come up with a sustainable garden project for their school. Which of the following answers below best demonstrates the classroom's project-based learning solution to ensure sustainability for the garden?
A. Choosing plants that require minimal water and using drip irrigation systems.
B. Selecting a wide variety of plants without considering their water needs.
C. Installing a traditional sprinkler system to water the entire garden despite plant type.
D. Using chemical fertilizer abundantly on all plants.
How I used AI
I used ChatGPT to help me with grammatical errors throughout my lesson. I also had ChatGPT check to make sure my APA references were correct. ChatGPT made improvements with run-on sentences and italicizing references.
Answers : 1. C 2. A
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