Project Based Learning

Hands-on learning to kick-start an enterprising mindset

Project-based learning has turned traditional classrooms into dynamic, hands-on environments.

This approach harnesses children’s innate curiosity, giving them the opportunity to direct their own learning and explore real-world challenges under the guidance of educators. Understanding real-world implications outside the classroom helps students make the connection between theory and practice while they problem-solve, collaborate, communicate and think critically.

Some key features of project-based learning include:

• a central idea, question or ‘problem’ driving student inquiry

• capacity for students to lead their learning – often in groups – supported by educators who offer prompts, ask questions and encourage students’ critical thinking

• clearly defined tasks, processes and goals to help students develop knowledge, present their findings and reflect on their learning.

In a project-based pedagogy, students are empowered to take ownership of learning: rather than just memorising information, they are pushed to think creatively and develop skills that will help them apply knowledge in practical, engaging and meaningful ways.

When students participate actively in learning, they have a better chance of developing the transferable skills that will support them into their adult lives, professionally and personally. Working on projects relevant to their interests motivates students to become invested in learning, unearthing the confidence to take considered risks, make decisions, persevere through challenges and develop a resilient attitude towards setbacks.

These key skills underpin the enterprising mindset future generations will need to thrive in a constantly changing global environment.

A 2021 study from the University of Southern California and Michigan State University supports the benefits of project-based learning. Involving 6,000 secondary students in 114 schools across the United States, the research found that young people in classes using this method achieved an average 8 percentage point higher pass rate than students in traditional classes.

The outcomes are evident for younger learners too. Focusing on science education, a Michigan State University and University of Michigan study compared project-based learning to traditional pedagogical approaches for more than 2,300 third grade students in 46 schools. As well as revealing that students in project-based classes outperformed their peers in control groups by an average of 8 percentage points for science testing, the data showed that this approach also boosted their reading ability.

The benefits are more than academic; project-based learning also gives students the chance to develop and hone a range of important social and emotional skills. Typically working in teams, students learning through hands-on project work have the chance to develop invaluable communication and collaboration skills while exchanging ideas, listening to the perspectives and insights of their peers, and presenting their findings. As they work to achieve their common goal, the quality of their findings will depend on their ability to find ways to cooperate, negotiate and compromise.

These skills also support students to manage the obstacles and setbacks that arise during their inquiry. Rather than treating these as roadblocks, learners are encouraged to find ways to adapt, pivot and discover alternative approaches: a critical foundation for developing resilience and perseverance.

A practical, self-directed and hands-on approach to learning gives students the opportunity to cultivate the range of skills they will need to navigate success, identify opportunities and overcome hurdles. When supported to take risks, think critically, and meet challenge and complexity with a creative mindset, young people can become enterprising adults – innovators and leaders well-equipped to respond to an ever-changing world with confidence.