Embarking on the journey of Project-Based Learning (PBL) 4.1 School based PBL Design

Project-Based Learning (PBL): Learning in Action! 4

4. Embarking on the journey of Project-Based Learning (PBL)

4.1 School based PBL Design

Integration of Project-Based Learning (PBL) stands as a model of innovation and transformation in school pedagogy in light of new education policy. 

Central to the PBL approach is crafting a dynamic environment for inquiry, critical thinking, and collaborative problem-solving, where students are encouraged to become active participants in the process of learning. Teachers, in turn, assume the roles of facilitators and guides, ushering students through this transformative journey.

Successful implementation of PBL within educational institutions hinges upon a well-structured PBL organizational design and PBL management system. This implementation process involves a series of crucial steps that encompass different aspects as

·       defining clear goals and objectives for project-based learning,

·       structuring the PBL framework within the school system, and meticulously implementing this structure,

·       establishing timelines,

·       creating collaborative teams, assigning roles for a well-structured PBL organizational design

·       sharing a compelling vision of PBL with all stakeholders, including students, teachers, parents, school leaders, and management and

·       training of all stakeholders 

                                                    

4.1 Crafting an Effective PBL Model Aligned with Institutional Goals

Project-based learning (PBL) is a pedagogical approach that relies on a carefully defined structure comprising three fundamental elements involved in the process of learning: Content, Process, and Context.

Firstly, Content refers to the specific subject matter or knowledge that students are expected to grasp during the course of the project.

Secondly, the Process involves the methods and strategies that students learn during the active process of exploration and investigation, fostering critical thinking, collaborative team work, and problem-solving skills.

Lastly, Context refers to the purpose of the project, whether it is focused towards problem-solving, creative expression,and innovation with social and local references.

The design of PBL  and project types is closely intertwined with the institution's educational objectives. 

The effectiveness of PBL hinges on how the institution prioritizes these elements in its PBL design to achieve specific learning goals.

By aligning the content, process, and context with the institution's vision, 

School based PBL design can offer

a tailored and dynamic method of instruction, ultimately

preparing students for real-world challenges and opportunities. 

PBL Design: Emphasizing the Content

Content refers to the specific subject matter or knowledge that students are expected to learn during the project's work. When content takes priority, it leads to subject-based projects, such as science projects, social science projects, or language projects.

Institutional focus on subject-based projects allows students to explore and deepen their understanding of various concepts within subjects. These projects serve as vehicles for exploring and deepening students' understanding of various concepts while aligning with the curriculum.

The core objective of this design is concept enrichment, allowing students to delve deeper into the subject matter than traditional textbook based classroom instruction. In such projects, students explore a defined frame of content with defined  possibilities of learning experiences. Unfortunately, many times in such types of projects, schools often allot topics, which can reduce the possibilities of student engagement.

PBL Design: Emphasizing the Learning Process

The process refers to the methodology and investigative techniques employed during the project. 

Methodology emphasizes inquiry-based activities such as observation, questioning, hypothesis formulation, experimentation, testing variables, data collection, and drawing conclusions. The methods used to generate data, including data collection, questioning, surveys, and experimentation, form the core of the learning process.

The types of projects that emerge from this process-centered approach include Collection & classification projects, Survey projects, Model-making projects, and Investigatory projects.

Active learning during process-centered project types fosters critical thinking skills as students navigate the various stages of inquiry, experimentation, and knowledge acquisition.

In process-centered PBL projects, students get the opportunity to explore content based on questions of  their interest and curiosity, not based on the syllabus. 

Many times, students generate questions based on personal interests and experiences within local contexts, further enhancing their engagement and ownership of the learning process.

When the focus shifts towards the process, each student gets a chance to explore different aspects of the concepts  and  the learning experience depending on the questions they want to explore.

PBL Design: Emphasizing the Context

When PBL design places context as its focal point, it elevates the "why" behind exploration and investigation. 

In this context-centered approach, the focus of the project lies in problem-solving, generating alternative solutions, and fostering creative production.

Defending a question and proposing an idea as a potential solution is an essential element in such projects. They define the process in which the project unfolds. Students often draw questions or ideas inspired by their immediate surroundings, local social issues, or design challenges in day-to-day life.

Various project types, such as Problem-solving projects, Designing projects, Model making projects focused on enhancing efficiency, testing of models, and developing new innovative products, emerge.

In context-centered projects, learning becomes a dynamic journey empowering learners to engage with and contribute to the world around them. 

During such projects, students acquire problem-solving, creative production, and critical thinking skills. 

Every project is integration of content, Processes and context:

Click on the link to understand guide teaches role in integration of Content, Processes and Context during exploration and investigation.

https://prashantpd.blogspot.com/2023/07/project-based-learning-pbl-learning-in.html

 An institution has to evolve School-based PBL design, 

 by emphasizing and integrating Content, Processes and Context. 

Project Methodology Learning Model:  A PBL Model at Jnana Prabodhan Prashala

Jnana Prabodhini Prashala, located in Pune, perceives project-based learning as a vehicle for mastering the art of effective learning. The school's PBL model has been meticulously crafted to align with educational objectives of institution, with the core of PBL being the process of learning, while the context forms the outer layer.

Consequently, the sequence in the PBL design at JPP begins with the process, followed by the context, and culminates in the content. 

The institution's overarching goal is to ignite the intelligence needed for catalysing social change. The deliberate sequencing of process, context, and content ensures alignment with various project types and adherence to educational standards.

During the middle school years, students engage in projects centered around collection and classification, model-making, data collection, and information organization. These projects aim to provide a deeper understanding of primary data sources.

Creative endeavors, such as model-making and creative writing projects, expose students to the world of creative production.

Investigatory science projects further enhance students grasp of scientific methodologies. 

As students’ progress to higher classes, they tackle futurology and open-ended projects, which guide them in selecting,applying exploratory and investigative skills which they had acquired earlier during PBL within the social context. 

This sequential approach, meticulously organizing process, context, and content, has led the school to term schools PBL model as 'Project Methodology Learning.'

Jnana Prabodhini Prashala is deeply committed to a significant institutional objective for PBL: the development of students' skills and processes essential for effective exploration and investigation through project-based learning (PBL). 

This objective goes beyond mere knowledge acquisition, emphasizing the cultivation of  exploration and investigation skills, thinking skills throughout students' project work.

The institution encourages students to select questions of social relevance or to generate ideas that hold the potential to address societal challenges. JPP firmly believes that context-based projects offer a richer understanding of society, underpinned by the notion that once students have acquired these skills and gained familiarity with the process, they can adeptly apply them in any project.

PBL design at Paramita Schools, Karimnagar

Paramita group of Schools has emerged as a leader in education, known for its commitment to instilling a passion for learning and fostering innovation. The school offers both State and CBSE curricula, earning recognition as one of Telangana's premier educational institutions due to its high standards of teaching methodology. Paramita Schools stands out for its diverse educational programs, including the Conversation Program, Project-Based Learning, Neuro Linguistic Program, and the infusion of a global culture into every facet of learning.

The school's primary objective is to provide students with high-quality academic learning experiences while equipping them with the necessary skills for lifelong learning. 

In the context of Project-Based Learning (PBL), the institution places a strong emphasis on the sequence of content and process as the core objectives. Regarding content, the school envisions students exploring subjects in a manner that reveals the connections between different concepts across disciplines. This approach fosters interdisciplinary learning during exploration.

At the primary level, students engage in theme-based projects, brainstorming various questions and ideas related to a concept or theme (such as a hospital, temple, or market). Depending on the questions posed, students undertake a series of activities to arrive at answers, encouraging hands-on and inquiry-based learning. 

In middle school, Paramita's PBL model integrates collection, survey, and model-making projects, with process-based learning taking Center stage. 

In higher grades, the focus shifts to in-depth content mastery, with social science-integrated projects and scientific concept-integrated investigatory projects.

Paramita Schools distinguishes themselves by prioritizing content, process, and context at various stages of education, continually developing their PBL model as a unique pedagogical feature.

 

Standard	Project type	Objective
3,4, 5th	Theme based projects	Give experience of interdisciplinary exploration of a concept.
6th	Collection, classification projects, Survey based projects	Introduction to process and skills required for collection and survey
7th	Social science integrated projects	Explore social system and learn content in social science by applying process and skills acquired during collection and survey
8,9th	Investigatory Science Projects	Learning and applying method of science, concept enrichment in science,

           The institutional design of PBL establishes a supportive framework ensuring the successful initiation of PBL.

           In this series Embarking on the journey of Project-Based Learning (PBL), we will further explore aspects of PBL such as establishing timelines of PBL, PBL organizational design, sharing a compelling vision of PBL with all stakeholders and training all stakeholders, etc.

Prashant Divekar

Jnana Prabodhini, Pune

To read earlier articles click

Project-Based Learning (PBL): Learning in Action! 3

Project-Based Learning (PBL): Learning in Action! 2

Project-Based Learning (PBL): Learning in Action! 1