7 Tremendous Advantages of Project-Based Learning

Published on: July 6, 2021

by Guest Post

Learn the many advantages of project-based learning for your child and why we employ it at Pear Tree School in this in-depth article.

Is your child struggling to reach their potential in traditional school? Many parents are realizing that traditional education has limitations. Especially when it comes to learning styles and student engagement.

Are you looking for a method that celebrates your child as the unique and capable person they are? Then your family might be a good fit for project-based learning.

Studies show that project-based learning improves student test scores, attendance, and classroom engagement. Does that sound like the kind of education you want for your child?

Then you’ll want to learn more about how project-based learning works.

What Is Project-Based Learning?

Project-Based Learning, or PBL, is a method of teaching. In this method of education, students engage in real-world projects. These projects have personal significance to the students.

In a project-based learning curriculum, students work on a project for a longer period of time. This could be as short as one week, or as long as a semester.

The project asks the student to solve a real-world problem or answer a complex question. After completion, students show their knowledge and skills in a public presentation.

This innovative method of education has unique benefits for today’s students. It capitalizes on 21st-century skills like critical thinking, collaboration, communication, and creativity.

A project-based learning curriculum focuses on open-ended questions, challenges, and problems.

The difference with PBL is that students have a choice in what they learn. The opportunity to make choices helps develop good academic habits. It also fosters a lifelong love of learning.

What Are 7 Advantages of Project-Based Learning?

Research demonstrates a broad range of project-based learning benefits.

But it isn’t only the students who enjoy this teaching method. Teachers and parents experience the benefits of project-based learning, too.

1. Students Develop the Skills Required to Succeed in 21st-Century Life

In project-based learning, students learn critical thinking and reasoning skills. They do this by doing in-depth research to solve a real-world problem.

Students strengthen their communication skills by working in groups and presenting their research. Researching and preparing presentations helps develop planning, organization, and decision-making skills.

Students also enjoy developing cross-cultural understanding. They do this through working in groups and on a diverse range of projects and problems.

Finally, students learn how to have a positive, productive relationship with technology. Technology becomes a tool students learn how and when to use.

2. Students Receive Authentic Assessment

Project-based learning creates more opportunities for authentic assessment than traditional methods of education. PBL allows students to show their capabilities in different ways. Students use different skills while working alone and within a group.

PBL also showcases students’ ability to apply valuable organizational skills. These include researching, planning, and making decisions. Project-based learning offers teachers a variety of opportunities to assess their students.

Teachers also have many opportunities to offer students feedback on their projects. They also help them revise their plans.

Project-based learning focuses on real-world issues. So it allows teachers to get to know their students as people. The teacher and student are able to build a stronger relationship.

3. Project-Based-Learning Promotes a Lifelong Love of Learning

Developing a lifelong love of learning is very important in education.

Project-based learning allows students to have a say in what they learn. So, each student’s curriculum builds off of their natural interests.

Students do more than learn and memorize facts. They develop research skills and deepen their knowledge. This happens when the topic is something they care about.

The things students learn about that topic stay in their memory longer as well. Project-based learning encourages students to direct their own learning (with guidance).

Students develop perseverance through hard work and in-depth research. They also learn to manage setbacks and obstacles.

Through project-based learning, students learn that failure is not only acceptable. It is an inherent part of the learning process. Students learn to make adjustments to their projects rather than giving up.

Presenting projects to their peers gives students self-confidence and a feeling of empowerment. Students find their voice when they feel inspired to speak as experts on their topic.

4. Project-Based Learning Accommodates a Variety of Learning Styles

Traditional classrooms expect students to learn the same things at the same time in the same way. Project-based learning welcomes different styles of learning.

The reality is that every student has their own individual learning style. Traditional styles of teaching put many students at a disadvantage from the start.

Project-based learning recognizes and celebrates the fact that students have a broad range of capabilities. It also realizes they can use more of these abilities in PBL than in traditional classrooms.

PBL gives students the chance to create problem-solving processes and research methods. It also allows for different types of applications. The way students apply their knowledge is up to them.

Students need to be able to use their areas of strength. When students have a genuine interest in what they learn they achieve at higher levels.

5. Project-Based Learning Improves Student Engagement

In traditional classrooms, student engagement is an uphill battle. Sometimes students don’t have a genuine interest in the topics they’re studying.

Other times students struggle to understand the relevance of the skills they’re learning. They don’t understand how it applies to their real lives.

The difference with project-based learning is that it reflects students’ interests. Student interest equals engagement.,It allows students to see how different skills work together in real-life situations.

Student engagement means better learning outcomes for students. It often leads to better test scores as well.

Students are more engaged when learning how to solve problems that are important to them. It also helps to see how real-world problems affect life in their community.

6. Students Develop Personal and Social Responsibility

Project-based learning enables students and teachers to expand learning beyond the school building. The problems students are solving are applicable to life outside the classroom.

Studying real-life problems helps students develop personal and social responsibility.

Learning how to collaborate in a group is crucial to life in the real world. Life is about solving problems, and usually, we go about solving them with other people.

Forming relationships is a huge part of collaboration. Students learn how to work better in groups. They also learn how to listen to others, provide positive input, and resolve conflicts.

Students build positive relationships with their fellow students when they collaborate They also develop relationships with their teachers and often their community members over the course of a project.

They will take these valuable skills with them and use them throughout their lives.

7. Project-Based Learning Promotes Independent Learning and Creativity

The hallmarks of independent learning and creativity are unique to project-based learning. In contrast, traditional education focuses on rote memorization and a singular curriculum.

Students get a choice in what they learn and the context in which they learn it. Students work better on their own when they have an interest in what they’re learning.

Students also get to think outside the box with project-based learning.

They can use creative solutions and creative methods of thinking and research. There is no right way to do a project.

Thus, PBL allows students to research and present their findings in a way that makes sense to them. They also get to explore their creativity in the process.

Choosing a Project-Based Learning Program

Are you looking for an education that promotes critical thinking, collaboration, and communication skills? Do you want your child to have a healthy relationship with technology?

Then project-based learning will be a great fit for you and your child.

Pear Tree Elementary was created as a response to outdated public and private school education models. Pear Tree offers progressive learning. They focus on developing 21st-century skills and the confidence to excel in the world.

Contact Pear Tree School today to learn more about the programs they offer.