Within the field of education we know there are always new methods of teaching that pop up. Some of these methods are more like a fad that comes and goes. Many have a strong foundation that makes them worth exploring and implementing.
One new approach that has emerged in recent years and is worth exploring is Project Based Learning (or PBL). What is Project Based Learning though? Today we will answer all your questions about PBL, including how to implement it in your elementary school classroom.
Ready to learn? Let’s go!
Project Based Learning Principles
Before we dive deeper into implementing PBL in your classroom, let’s look at the basics. What does this method of instructional learning include? As you may have already guessed from the title, Project Based Learning focuses on integrating projects into the classroom.
However, the types of projects can vary depending on the learning outcome. Moreover, these projects don’t have to take extended time to complete (like we may initially think when hearing the word “project”).
At the core of Project Based Learning is hands-on experiences. This could be as simple as including real-world manipulatives for a math center. For example, having students count pennies for a money unit. In addition, it could be more comprehensive as seen in STEM projects. One example of this could be having students build an enclosure for an animal during an animal unit.
What the examples above demonstrate is the hands-on approach to learning, as well as another core element of PBL lessons – real world examples and experiences. Along with providing hands-on learning related to real-world experiences, Project Based Learning is also a wonderful way to integrate collaborative learning into your classroom.
By focusing on these three elements, this method of learning creates a multitude of learning experiences for students. It fosters critical thinking and creativity while also building essential skills such as teamwork, communication, and problem solving. As we continue to explore how to use Project Based Learning in your classroom, keep these in mind to see how we have incorporated each of them into ready to teach resources.
Advantages of Project Based Learning
We mentioned a few of the key advantages of Project Based Learning above:
- Development of Critical Thinking and Problem-Solving Skills: By working on complex projects, students learn to analyze problems, think critically, and develop creative solutions. These skills are essential for success in the modern world.
- Improved Collaboration and Communication Skills: PBL often involves group work, which helps students develop teamwork and communication skills. They learn to listen to others, articulate their ideas, and work effectively in a team.
- Hands-on Learning: PBL provides students with opportunities to learn while doing. This helps further develop their understanding of a concept and enhances engagement.
This is just the beginning of the advantages of using Project Based Learning in the classroom. Here are some additional key benefits of this type of learning:
- Enhanced Engagement and Motivation: PBL connects learning to real-world contexts, making lessons more relevant and interesting for students. This relevance boosts motivation and encourages active participation.
- Deeper Understanding of Subject Matter: Through PBL, students engage deeply with content, leading to a more thorough understanding of the subject matter. They apply knowledge in practical ways, which reinforces learning and retention.
- Increased Responsibility and Independence: PBL requires students to take ownership of their learning. They learn to manage their time, make decisions, and take responsibility for completing their projects, fostering independence.
- Integration of Multiple Disciplines: Projects often span multiple subject areas, allowing students to see the connections between different fields of study and holistically apply their knowledge.
- Enhanced Creativity and Innovation: The open-ended nature of projects encourages students to think outside the box and come up with innovative solutions. This nurtures creativity and fosters a growth mindset.
- Preparation for Future Careers: PBL mirrors the collaborative and project-based nature of many modern workplaces. Students develop skills that are directly applicable to their future careers, such as project management and effective communication.
- Personalized Learning Experiences: PBL allows for differentiation, as students can work on projects that align with their interests and strengths. This personalization can lead to more meaningful and enjoyable learning experiences.
- Positive Social and Emotional Development: Working on projects can build students’ confidence and resilience. They learn to navigate challenges, celebrate successes, and support each other, contributing to their overall social and emotional well-being.
While this list of benefits of Project Based Learning is enough for most teachers to be excited about trying PBL in their classrooms, we know it also may lead to other questions. For example, how much time and effort is needed to implement this type of learning? Great question!
Disadvantages of Project Based Learning
While Project Based Learning (PBL) has numerous advantages, it also presents some challenges that educators and students may encounter. Before you explore these potential disadvantages though, let us preface this list by saying that we have created a way to help eliminate all of these! So, don’t be discouraged, just keep reading.
- May Feel Time-Consuming: PBL often requires more time than traditional teaching methods. Planning, executing, and assessing projects can be lengthy processes, which might limit the coverage of the entire curriculum. However, our job at The Core Coaches is to support the implementation of effective teaching strategies while eliminating extra planning and preparation time. All of our Project Based Learning lessons are ready-to-teach!
- May Feel Resource-Intensive: Effective PBL may require significant resources, including materials, technology, and access to external experts. Schools with limited budgets might find it challenging to provide these resources. We know that access to resources varies from school to school, but we don’t want that to limit who can use our resources! Therefore, we have created all of our PBL activities with a list of resources that the majority of teachers have access to.
- Requires Teacher Preparation and Training: PBL demands a different set of skills from educators, including project management, facilitation, and the ability to guide student inquiry. While we think professional learning opportunities and training are always a great way to further develop a teacher’s skills, we know not all teachers have time (or extra funds) for that. Therefore, we provide detailed instructions and lesson plans in all of our teaching resources. Yes, even our PBL units! Combined with the tips we share on our blog each week, you will become an expert in using PBL in your classroom in no time.
- Assessing Projects May Feel Difficult: Evaluating projects may feel complex and subjective. However, traditional testing methods may not capture the full scope of student learning and skills that can be demonstrated through PBL. This is why a combination of Project Based Learning and traditional assessments can be a good balance.
- Worries About Student Accountability: In group projects, teachers often have the concern that some students may not contribute equally, which could lead to issues with fairness and accountability. To help counteract this, we encourage teachers to be actively moving around the room to support groups and facilitate learning. Moreover, we found that establishing clear expectations for group work at the beginning of the year greatly decreases the possibility of students not being accountable.
- Fear of Off-Task Behavior: Teachers may be worried that the collaborative nature of a PBL will result in students becoming distracted or engaging in off-task behavior. Similarly to student accountability, establishing clear expectations early on (and reviewing them regularly) is a great way to address this. Furthermore, an effective classroom management plan from the first day of school will be essential.
- May Feel Misaligned with Standardized Testing: PBL’s focus on deep, applied learning may not align well with standardized testing, which often emphasizes rote memorization and discrete skills. This misalignment could create tension in educational systems that prioritize test scores. While it may feel initially misaligned, Project Based Learning can enhance student outcomes on standardized tests. This is because PBL engages students in the learning process which leads to greater retention of knowledge. Paired with familiarizing students with the structure of standardized testing, it can be a powerful pairing.
- Parental Concerns and Misunderstanding: Some parents might need help understanding or supporting PBL because they are used to traditional instructional methods. The most important thing here is clear communication about the what and the why behind Project Based Learning. A great way to establish this understanding early on is to share more about PBL with parents at back to school night. You could also send home a short letter or email that explains PBL later in the year.
Despite what may seem like challenges, we believe (as do many educators) that the benefits of PBL far outweigh the drawbacks, particularly when it is implemented thoughtfully and supported by adequate resources and professional development.
Types of Project Based Learning
At the beginning of this post, we mentioned a couple of examples of Project Based Learning that could be used in elementary school. Math manipulatives and STEM projects are two specific examples of PBL activities. However, there is a wide range of different types of Project Based Learning activities. Let’s explore ten types of Project Based Learning below.
- Inquiry-Based Projects: Students start with a question or problem and conduct research to explore answers and solutions. This type encourages curiosity and critical thinking. An example of this type of PBL would be presenting students with a real-world problem to solve, like in a STEM project.
2. Design-Based Projects: Students are tasked with designing a product, system, or solution to a problem. This type emphasizes creativity and practical application of knowledge. This is another type of learning that could be supported with a STEM project where students have to build something to solve a problem.
- Community-Based Projects: These projects involve students working on issues or challenges within their local community. It fosters a sense of civic responsibility and real-world impact. An example of this may be a campaign students develop to promote recycling in the neighborhood.
- Service Learning Projects: Students engage in projects that combine learning objectives with community service. This type of PBL builds empathy and social responsibility. One example would be working together as a class to organize a food drive while learning about the importance of food in a community during class time.
- Interdisciplinary Projects: These projects integrate multiple subject areas, helping students see the connections between different fields of study. While an example of this at a secondary level may be a project on climate change that includes aspects of science, social studies, and math, this type of project can also be done in elementary school. One way to implement this type of project would be through a Project Based Learning Unit that has themed days that explore a different core subject centered around the same topic.
- Problem-Based Learning (PrBL): Similar to inquiry-based projects, but with a stronger emphasis on solving a specific, often complex problem. Students use a systematic approach to understand the problem and develop solutions. At the secondary level, this may look like a complex project where students work to find ways to reduce water usage in their schools. In first or second grade, this could be explored in a STEM project or other similar activity.
- Product-Oriented Projects: Students create tangible products that demonstrate their learning. This type focuses on the process of creation and presentation. There are many examples of this type of learning that show up in our interactive read aloud crafts and STEM projects. These are typically a craft that students complete to show their understanding of the text. It could also be something they created to solve a problem in the book.
- Role-Playing Projects: Students assume roles and work through scenarios that require decision-making and problem-solving from a specific perspective. On a larger scale, this may look like simulating a city council meeting to address urban planning issues. However, at the elementary level, this could be explored through something like our retelling puppets. The retelling puppets in our read alouds provide kids a chance to act out the story from the perspectives of the characters. A great hands-on activity for creatively demonstrating their understanding!
9. Research Projects: Students conduct in-depth research on a topic of interest, often culminating in a report, presentation, or publication. This type develops skills in research methodology and academic writing. A great way for early elementary students to do this is through our research-focused Learning Quests.
Project Based Learning Unit for Elementary Students
Beyond the examples we shared about how to incorporate various types of PBL using our library of ready-to-teach resources, we went one step further and created specific Project Based Learning Units!
These Project Based Learning Units for first and second grades incorporate the different PBL elements discussed earlier. Hands-on learning, collaborative learning, and real-world connections. Furthermore, we addressed some of those biggest disadvantages like needing time to plan and prepare. How? By providing you with everything you need! The only thing you will need to do is choose if you want to upload them into a digital format or print them out.
Moreover, we created these to fit perfectly into those short weeks when it feels like a traditional lesson plan won’t quite work. For example, the last week of school or the week leading up to Thanksgiving.
Below is a brief overview of one of these Project Based Learning Themed Lesson Plans. Take a peek and think about how you would incorporate this into your classroom!
Mission to Mars Project Based Learning Unit for Elementary Students
- Reading: Mars (printable or projectable text) and note-taking sheets
- Writing: All About Mars Brochure
- Math: Meal Plan for Mars Performance Task
- Science: Build a Rover STEM Project
- Art: Watch the directed drawing video to create Mars
- Additional Activities: Crack the Code, Man from Mars Game, Mars Maze, Mars Coloring Sheet, and Mars Crossword Puzzle
Whether you are just starting with implementing Project Based Learning in your classroom, or just looking for new resources, these themed days are perfect!
While the Mars Themed Unit can be used any time of year we also have several themed units for specific times of the year.
Whichever themed unit you choose to begin with, your students will be excited about the opportunity to engage with Project Based Learning!
- End of School Year Countdown Themed Activities print + digital bundle 1-2
- End of School Year Countdown Themed Activities print + digital bundle 3-4
- End of School Year Countdown Themed Activities print + digital bundle 5-6
- 5 Day Winter-themed PRINTABLE and DIGITAL Countdown
- 12 Days of Christmas in the Classroom PRINTABLE and DIGITAL Bundle
