PBL TESOL I

Project - Based Learning

​By Mariana Díaz and Tracy Chavarría

Open Ended

What is the first thing that comes into your mind when you hear the term "Project Based Learning"?

What is Project-Based Learning?

It is a student-centered method of instruction that emphasizes active learning.

Its main goal is the completion of projects inspired by real-life inquiries and scenarios through research, collaboration, and communication with the purpose of achieving meaningful learning.

​(Kokotsaki et al., 2016)

Basis for Project-Based Learning

3 constructivist principles:

• Learning must be in accordance to the context of the students.

• The students must be actively involved in the educational process.

• Social interactions and communication as a way to share knowledge and achieve pedagogical goals.

​(Kokotsaki et al., 2016)

​Process of Implementation

• The content should be significant and chosen to meet the needs and interests of students.

• The topic should be introduced in an engaging way and attached to their previous knowledge.

• Creation of a "Driving Question": It should be challenging and open-ended.

​Process of Implementation

• Development of the project: students should have freedom in the research and application process, they should be encouraged to use their creativity, be independent learners, and use 21st Century Skills.

• After the "Driving Question" has been answered, the students will share their findings with the class.

• Feedback and revision from teachers, students, and themselves.

• Final presentation of the project.

​(Aldabbus, 2018)

Open Ended

Can you think of any real-world problems or challenges that could be used as project prompts for PBL?

​Benefits

• Space for a variety of topics and tasks.

• Removes the gap between theory and practice, knowledge and thinking.

• Ludic method of instruction that provides enjoyment to the students.

• Sense of achievement.

• Development of a tangible end product.

• It caters to different sets of skills, promoting heterogeneity.

• Integrates language skills and balances the need for fluency and accuracy.

​(Rousová, 2008)

Multiple Choice

Which of the following images best represents a class in which PBL is being implemented?

Students need access to materials and sources.

For instance., the classrooms into subject-themed areas that display a variety of learning materials.

Think information access

Emphasis on group work. Hence, the learning spaces must be organized so it foments collaboration.

Find innovative alternatives to traditional desks.

​Learning spaces set tone

Designing PBL Classes

PBL classrooms are unpredictable in nature. Therefore, teachers must be flexible, supportive, and engaged in the educational process.

See the teacher as the ultimate resource

​(TeachThought Staff, 2020)

Open Ended

What is the most important skill that you think Project-Based Learning helps to develop in students?

​Tips for implementing PBL

• Clearly define your purpose for implementing PBL.

• Hold brainstorming sessions.

• Develop ill-structured problems.

• Allow time for collaboration.

• Emphasize depth over breadth.

• Conduct regular assessments.

• Hold class discussions

• Facilitate peer feedback.

• Assess authentically.

​(Saga Briggs, 2015)

Open Ended

Which are some tips that would work the most for you if you were to implement PBL in your class?

Conclusion

PBL helps to:

• Develop creative and problem-solving skills.

• Recognize the importance of collaboration.

• Research and adaptation skills.

• Independent learning and project management.

• Be technologically literate and use ICTs to navigate the globalized world.

Poll

Learning spaces help to set the tone in a PBL methodology

• True

• False

​References

Aldabbus, S. (2018). Project-Based Learning: Implementation & Challenges. International Journal of Education, Learning and Development, 6(3), 71–79. https://www.eajournals.org/wp-content/uploads/Project-Based-Learning-Implementation-Challenges.pdf

Briggs, S. (2016, November 13). 10 Tips For Effective Problem-Based Learning: The Ultimate Instructional Solution | InformED. InformED. https://www.opencolleges.edu.au/informed/features/problem-based

Kokotsaki, D., Menzies, V., & Wiggins, A. (2016). Project-Based Learning: A review of the literature. Improving Schools, 19(3), 267–277. https://doi.org/10.1177/1365480216659733

Rousová, V. (2008). Project-Based Learning: Halloween Party (thesis). Retrieved 2023, from https://is.muni.cz/th/qzgwd/Diplomova_prace.pdf.

Staff, T. (2022). 4 Keys To Designing A Project-Based Learning Classroom.

Teach Thought. https://www.teachthought.com/pedagogy/designing-project-based-learning/#google_vignette

Thank you for your time!