Tips for Using Project-Based Learning in
the Classroom
I have always been a project-based
teacher, whether it be creating videos for Youtube, student blogs, writing children’s
stories or even projects to help the poor. For me, projects allow our students
to academically fly free, to express themselves, to show who they are and what
they are made of. Over the years, I have seen my worst students go the extra
mile and create amazingly creative, detailed projects.
There are many reasons for English teachers
to assign projects. First of all, project-based learning stimulates
collaboration between the students. We’re teaching the same things to all students
in the class, but not all of them understand equally. Thanks to the
collaboration triggered by project-based learning, the students who often need
assistance, for whatever reason, get inspired by the more competent, confident
students. Such differentiation is quite beneficial as a teaching method.
The main point of projects in the
classroom is triggering the students’ creativity and interest to learn. That’s
how teachers see it. Students, however, see it a bit differently. Stress.,
expectations. anxiety. grades., those are the things they associate with
projects.
How can you change those negative feelings?
Is there a way to make the students excited about project-based learning in the
classroom?
Here are 6 tips that will get you there.
Set Goals and Make Them Visible
Before you assign a project for your
learners, there are few goals you should define. For example, let’s say you
expect them to think of a short story and present it through a comic or even a
stand-up group presentation.
The goals you set should be:
It must be measurable
How do you know they’ve achieved the goals? You need to set deadlines and
evaluate the progress of the project. For example, each participant should
think of their own character within two days. By the end of day 5, the plot
should be ready. You’ll give them 5 more days to complete the story, and 5 more
days to turn it into a comic or presentation. Then, you’ll set the date for a
presentation.
Be specific
Your students should know exactly what final goal they should meet with the
project. However, they should also be aware of the smaller goals that lead
towards that big achievement.
Be realistic
Make sure to set goals that are within the range of each student in your class.
If you impose an overwhelming challenge, no one will enjoy the project.
You want to make the project timetable visible for your students. You can
create a chat group, say in whatsapp and share regular reminders with your
students or you can draw a huge poster that you’ll hang on the wall of your
classroom. Give them regular reminders before reaching the deadlines, so every
team will be on track.
Think of a Topic that Engages Students
The project’s topic is the main factor
that makes students interested to complete it. Project-based learning is based
on solving a particular problem or question. If you ask your students to research
and study classic literature, they won’t like the project. If, however, you ask
them to find examples of passive language in Harry Potter or another book they
all love, you’ll awaken their interest.
English language learners are often
interested in foreign cultures and societies. You can think of countless topics
from those areas. You can ask them to explore clothing styles throughout
history, traditional festivals in different areas, cultural quirks or the
differences in the laws.
Before you assign a project, see how
your students react to different topic suggestions. Allow them to ask their own
questions. If their questions are intriguing enough, you can turn them into
prompts for the project.
Remember: the question should have more than one right answer. If you ask a
direct question, such as “when was the Magna Carta signed?” – you won’t have a
good foundation for research and critical/creative thinking.
Give Them Constant Guidance.
“Project-based learning is easy for the
teacher when they give an extensive assignment and sit back, waiting for the
results. Yes, the students need the flexibility to explore their ideas, but they
also need guidance. The teacher should monitor the way they approach and
accomplish their goals. They should identify each student’s weaknesses and offer
assistance.”
Your role as a teacher is important. Ask
how things are going and maintain frequent interaction regarding the project.
You need to clarify that you’re not grading them when you’re asking them to
share their progress. You just want to evaluate their process and help them get
better results. They should feel comfortable asking for advice whenever they
get stuck.
Using Real-World Situations in Projects
What exactly will your students gain if
they succeed with this project? Sure, they will learn a lot of details about
the topic you chose but, how will this process make them better at English? How
will it help them use the language in the real world?
Do you know why most students hate to
write? They don’t see the point. They don’t see how the topic related to South
American history will help them to order food at a restaurant if they were to
travel. That’s why you need to make actual connections between their goals and
the topics you assign. Explain that each successful completion of a project
leads to better grammar and vocabulary. Plus, the information they learn can
make a great conversation starter.
Present / Publish the Projects
A group presentation is always an
excellent way for students to present their project. It allows for their final
product to be shown in all its glory to their teachers, and peers. On the other
hand, blogging is a huge trend among English teachers. You can use that method
as part of project-based learning. Create a classroom blog and start publishing
each project your students complete. They will be able to learn from each
other’s efforts and engage in discussions.
You can take things even further: promote that blog on social media and invite
people to check out the publications. When your students realize that many
people will have access to their work, they will try harder.
Being Reflective!
Teachers often skip this step. They are
happy when the projects are complete, and they give the grades. Reflecting,
however, is the most important stage. What did your students learn from this
project? When you give them a chance to reflect on the things they’ve learned,
did they see the point in making all that effort?
Ask them what they would do differently,
what obstacles they faced, and what the highlights of the process were. This
should be a relaxed, insightful discussion that will help them do better with
future projects.
Well, I hope that this article has been
able to help you, and guide you into the world of project-based learning.
Good luck, and good teaching.
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