Project-based learning

Project-based learning is a methodology that uses real-world projects as the basis for teaching a variety of skills. In a project-based learning course, teams of 4 to 5 students, under the supervision of an instructor, are responsible for producing projects from start to finish. An example might be a web page for an anatomy and physiology class that allows students to access homework assignments, relevant handouts, syllabus, up-coming events, links to related sites, and student chat rooms that serve as study groups. These projects demand strong creative skills such as conceptualization and design and the use of a variety of computer technologies including audio-video editing, computer graphics, digital printing processes, and multi-media presentation tools. In addition, students must learn the soft skills of problem identification, planning, skills assessment and delegation among team members, time management, budgeting, accountability and self-evaluation, and interpersonal skills of communication and negotiation. In a broad sense, a PBL assignment might become a part of any academic class.