BACK TO PROJECT BASED LEARNING BLOGS
By: Ryan Steuer, CEO
Magnify Learning
Dallas, TX
@ryansteuer
Spaghetti and Marshmallows Challenge - Learners get boxes of spaghetti, small marshmallows and a big marshmallow. Get your big marshmallow as high as possible.
Vape Detectors – After high school learners tell their teacher they are concerned about vaping in the bathrooms, the class does research on the best solutions for their school and presents their initiatives to the school board.
Nasa Moon Landing Challenge - The two marshmallows (representing astronauts) in your dixie cup need to land on the moon alive. Here is a bag of materials - paper, twine, scissors, straws, tape, etc.
Military Relocation – 3rd graders are tasked by Colonel Piper to create resources to help military families relocate their families. Upon completion the resources will be given to military families.
How would you sort the above examples? Which are a result of Project Based Learning and which are a hands-on challenge?
Project Based Learning and a hands-on challenge are educational approaches that involve active participation from learners. Both methods emphasize the importance of experiential learning and aim to engage learners in a meaningful process of inquiry and discovery. The difference between Project Based Learning and a hands-on challenge lies in the structure, depth, and authenticity of the assigned task.
Project Based Learning (PBL) is an instructional method that focuses on learners working collaboratively to investigate and solve complex, real-world problems. PBL encourages learners to develop their critical thinking skills, creativity, and problem-solving abilities, as they actively engage in a structured process that goes beyond simply obtaining factual knowledge. In contrast, a hands-on challenge is an approach where student involvement primarily revolves around physical manipulation and direct experiences with materials and objects, promoting a more concrete understanding of concepts and principles.
While both project-based and a hands-on challenge emphasize practical experiences and active engagement, they are uniquely positioned to cater to different educational needs and learning preferences. By understanding the differences between these pedagogical methods, educators can create more effective learning environments that support the diverse goals, interests, and abilities of their learners.
Understanding Project Based Learning
Project Based Learning (PBL) is a teaching methodology that engages learners in solving authentic, real-world problems. As opposed to traditional classroom lectures, PBL is a dynamic teaching approach that encourages learners to become active participants in their own learning process. Magnify Learning defines PBL as a "Project Based Learning (PBL) is a model and framework of teaching and learning where learners acquire content knowledge and skills in order to answer a driving question based on an authentic problem, need, challenge, or concern.”
In PBL, learners apply 21st-century skills such as critical thinking, creativity, communication, and collaboration to tackle authentic problems and real-world projects. The process involves learners researching, designing, and presenting solutions to challenges faced in various disciplines. Teachers act as facilitators, guiding learners through the problem-solving process instead of directly providing answers.
One key aspect of PBL is learner-centered instruction, where the focus is on empowering learners to take responsibility for their own learning. This approach fosters resilience and adaptability, crucial skills for success in today's constantly changing world. Learners also develop a deeper understanding of the subject matter through the process of actively applying their skills and knowledge to authentic problems.
In Project Based Learning environments, learners collaborate, sharing ideas and feedback on their peers' work. This collaboration not only helps learners grasp essential teamwork skills, but also adds an extra layer of motivation to succeed, as learners engage with different perspectives and experiences.
In summary, Project Based Learning emphasizes authentic, real-world problem-solving, promotes learner-centered instruction, and fosters 21st-century skills development, setting learners up for success in today's dynamic and ever-changing world.
A Hands On Challenge Explained
A hands on challenge is a teaching tool where learners actively participate in the learning process through various hands-on activities. A hands-on challenge often involves the use of manipulatives, which are physical objects that help learners understand abstract concepts through direct interaction.
In contrast, Project Based Learning is a robust pedagogical method that emphasizes authentic learning experiences by having learners work on real-world projects. It supports learners in the development of improved communication, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills.
While both hands-on and Project Based Learning involve active participation and authentic experiences, a hands-on challenge is more focused on the specific activity at the center of the lesson. Learners delve into experiments, observe phenomena, and interact with manipulatives to facilitate understanding.
For example, in a science class, learners may engage in a hands-on challenge by conducting experiments with various materials and tools. They might explore chemical reactions, observe the life cycle of organisms, or build simple machines to explore physics concepts. These activities allow learners to experience the concepts in a tangible way and promote deeper understanding.
As a whole, a hands-on challenge is an essential approach for accommodating diverse learning styles. Learners who struggle with traditional lecture formats can benefit from the tangible, interactive, and inquiry-based nature of hands-on activities. By incorporating a hands-on challenge into the curriculum, educators encourage learners to think critically about the concepts and draw connections from their experiences.
In summary, a hands on challenge is an experiential method of teaching that emphasizes learners actively participating in activities and experiments to understand concepts. While it shares some similarities with Project Based Learning, its focus lies on the specific activity and its associated learning outcomes. Hands-on challenges certainly have a place within Project Based Learning, but without the context of an authentic challenge over a longer period of time, hands-on challenges will lose their effectiveness.
Key Differences Between Project-Based and A Hands On Challenge
Project Based Learning and a hands on challenge are both widely used teaching methods that promote problem-solving, reflection, and engagement from learners. However, there are key differences between these two approaches that can lead to varying outcomes in learners' learning experiences.
In Project Based Learning, learners are given a broad, open-ended problem or challenge, which they must address through the creation of an end product, presentation or the completion of a complex task. This method emphasizes a constructivist approach, where learners actively construct their knowledge by working on real-world challenges. As learners progress through a project, they are encouraged to reflect on their learning, synthesize new information, and collaborate with their peers. Technology often plays a significant role in Project Based Learning, providing resources and tools for learners to use in their investigations.
On the other hand, a hands-on challenge focuses on engaging the learners in stand alone activities where they can directly apply their knowledge and skills from a particular lecture. This approach is a step up from a traditional lecture where the expectation is that all learners will listen, understand and apply without having used the information in a real way. Unlike Project Based Learning, a hands-on challenge often targets specific skills, with less emphasis on long-term goals or the creation of artifacts.
One key difference between project-based and a hands-on challenge is the learners' role in the learning process. In Project Based Learning, learners take more ownership of their learning, initiating their own ideas, research, and solutions. Teachers act as facilitators, guiding the learners and providing feedback as necessary. In contrast, a hands-on challenge typically involves more structure, with teachers directing the activities and providing more immediate feedback to learners.
Another difference lies in how the two methods incorporate problem-solving. Project Based Learning requires learners to engage in complex, real-world problems that might not have a single or straightforward solution. These problems often require creativity and innovation, as well as extensive research and collaboration. Conversely, hands-on challenge activities usually deal with more localized, skills-based problems that can be solved through applying the learned concepts or techniques.
In conclusion, although both project-based and a hands-on challenge provide valuable learning experiences and promote problem-solving, their specific approaches and implementation differ significantly. Project Based Learning involves more depth, complexity, and authenticity, while a hands-on challenge focuses on direct application and the development of specific skills. By understanding these differences, educators can better select and design learning experiences that best meet the unique needs of their learners.
I’m Ryan Steuer – author and thought leader who specializes in Project Based Learning training, coaching, community, and content to help educational leaders fulfill their vision of deeper learning in their schools. I’ve worked with leaders in school districts of all sizes, from 400 students to 100,000 students. These visionary leaders care about their students, but they are often stressed, overworked, and overwhelmed with the work ahead of them. That’s where I come in! I help leaders achieve their PBL vision, lead their staff, AND stop working weekends.
When I’m not guiding school leaders through Project Based Learning mindset shifts, I am outdoors with my wife and 5 kids - canoeing, hiking, biking, and traveling the US in our RV.
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