What Is Project-Based Learning What Are The Advantages Disadvantages of PBL Approach
What Is Project-Based Learning What Are The Advantages Disadvantages of PBL Approach
Now as we are living in the age of rapid technological development and scientific
advancement combined with growing global competition, we enjoy increasing career
opportunities as well. However, there are also great challenges for the modern workforce.
One of them is the huge strategic hole we have in our system of education. To motivate and
engage the future labor force, educators need to alter or even re-invent their teaching
methods.
According to the official studies of the Association of American Colleges and Universities,
93% of employers value their workers’ critical thinking, ability to solve complex problems,
and communication skills more than the grades behind qualification certificates.
Project-based learning (PBL) is a perfect solution to the problem, which allows transforming
competence and proficiency into the 4Cs – creativity, critical thinking, collaboration, and
communication- which lie in the foundation of the modern learning framework.
1/4
Applying knowledge for problem-solving allows the learners to raise their thinking to a new
level and develop collaboration and leadership skills.
The students are offered opportunities to research the themes they are interested in and
craft the data they receive into some interesting and useful outcomes.
Project-Based Learning can in many ways favor the preparation of the skilled workforce of
the 21st century. Through project work the learners master:
1. Time Management. Delivering the project on time requires proper time management
skills. So students should first estimate the time required for the fulfillment of the task
and then divide it into smaller, more manageable lumps.
2. Organizational Skills. These skills have already become a must at present and are
developed during the project work as well. It’s important to organize the project
mentally as well as physically.
3. Collaboration Skills. Group research and project fulfillment is a great experience for
students, which allows them to see the importance of teamwork firsthand. This is a
precious lesson for their future office work or even for running a business.
4. Problem-Solving Skills. Project-based learning stimulates the students to think
outside of the box and look for new unusual ways of problem-solving. Their role should
be active and it’s impossible to idle by.
5. Self-Direction. It’s an amazing instrument driving any task or even business. During
their project work, the learners not only have to manage their time but also decide
where to move further at each stage of the research. Practicing the skill in every task
accomplished, the individuals learn to find the best possible way of action for each
stage of the project and for its overall completion.
2/4
6. Ability to Find Information. Any research presupposes that a student should look for
the information himself, not from a tutor or a lecturer. The skill to find the necessary
data is an extremely valuable asset for life, especially for its business aspect.
7. Lifelong Learning Ability. Due to the fact that PBL is based on the learners’ interests
and their active part in it, the approach develops an interest and a habit of lifelong
education. This desire and ability are essential for every individual nowadays to be able
to adapt to a constantly changing environment.
There are actually 5 essential future-forwarded skills, anybody can model through
experimental studies:
3/4
It’s Time Consuming. An effective project-based learning design requires a large
amount of time as it may take time to collect materials and information about the
projects.
Lack of Interest. Sometimes it may happen that students feel a lack of interest in their
project subject which might distract their minds from the project.
Needs a Dedicated & Hardworking Staff. To be honest, not teachers can be hard-
working and completely dedicated to their students. But, the PBL approach really
needs hardworking staff dedicated to the projects of their students.
Uncomfortable for Differently Abled Students. The project-based learning approach
might be uncomfortable for differently abled students. They sometimes may not feel
encouraged to finish their projects in the given period of time.
4/4