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By Education Team | 12 Oct. 2021

Types Of Project-Based Learning.

Project Based Learning

Project-Based Learning methods have been around for decades, with many different systems used in different educational settings and locations. We take a deep dive into the most important, different methods used in settings today, the key benefits, and any potential issues that need to be considered when choosing the best learning system.

More often than not, when we think back to our younger school days as an example, the projects and project-based learning activities we undertook back then, are the key points that we remember vividly, as they were the most creative.

These methods and activities continue today as they are proven to work, helping keep the learner fully engaged and accelerate the rate of learning. A structure curriculum is created around several different project-based activities.

Key activities associated with project-based learning include idea generation, resource collection, design, organization skills, collaboration skills, communication skills, and more.

Challenge/Problem Based Learning

Challenge or Problem based learning is a student-led process of solving real-world problems.

Whilst undertaking problem-based learning, the student would be encouraged to use technology and skills to create solutions that resolve the problems. These problems could be presented through several different channels: case studies, magazines, books, websites, and more. Throughout this process, the user will be building several different skills; social skills, problem-solving skills, research skills, and more.

Oftentimes, problem-based learning can be there to simply start a discussion towards a solution. An example of a problem activity could be something like: ‘how to prevent the spread of disease or a virus’ where students would need to bring together a range of scientific studies, case studies, maths, and much more to come to a final solution.

Problem Based Learning is typically about what happens in real life. Developing several key skills and presentation confidence and developing real solutions for real-life issues.

Place-Based Learning

Place-Based Learning best uses the community surrounding the subject matter which can include surrounding culture and experiences. This type of learning can include service projects for local companies and communities and learning activities personalized directly to the community and place surrounding the learner.

The main difference with this method is that it focuses on the location and setting rather than a specific solution like the problem-based learning model. Fundamentally this model still requires the use of maths, language arts, case studies, and more across the project.

Often the place-based learning project will target the local community and issues that the community and residents are facing, such as homelessness and housing issues, Economy issues, and community engagement.

The Place-Based Learning model is really important as it develops a deeper understanding of the local community, whilst increasing communication and social skills for the learner to use in real life, more often.

Activity-Based Learning

Activity-Based Learning encourages learning and engagement through the use of hands, with several hands-on activities. A number of learners of different ages and abilities would be grouped together to learn at their own pace and understanding, through targeted activities.

The Activity Based Learning model has been proven to show visible improvements in students learning and psychology overall.

This method often works in an activity card task, where students can choose activities related to a general topic. Different activities can include games and music, artwork, drawing, and building using hands-on experience. Often once the final group of cards is completed, the students can move onto a new group/section.

Activity-based learning is often carried out at the beginning and early stages of learning (young children). Ultimately it motivates and entices users to actively learn and engage in the learning process, therefore, better developing knowledge and learning skills.

Potential Downsides To Project-Based Learning

Different types of Project-Based Learning can create certain issues and problems. Students may sometimes have issues arising, which could include others in their group whom they don’t get on with or sometimes the feeling that other students are not contributing as much as they are. However, if the student then chooses to work alone, they can have low motivation to finish the project and achieve the final goal.

Grading, therefore, is more often per student, rather than a group, as this will require each student to pull their own weight in terms of contribution.

Overall, which every project-based learning method you use, ultimately the student will see huge benefits as this is a new method of learning which requires the brain to work in different ways. Alongside this, the students will pick up new skills, new social skills and learn about real-life problems that require real solutions.

If you prefer another learning-based method, why not leave it in the comments below and we will try and review it.