Project-based learning (PBL) allows students to tackle real-life situations. STEP Schools believe that PBL is an integral part of school education, mainly primary education. It helps students to become creators, team players, or grow as thinkers by doing real projects.
In this blog, we are going to explain project-based learning (PBL) using seven steps. At the same time, you will learn how STEP Schools are using these 7 steps of PBL in school education to help students flourish in a strong way.
What is Project-Based Learning?
Project-Based Learning (PBL) is a method that allows students to learn by working on real-world problems through their active engagement for a longer time. It means students don’t just listen or read, but they perform and create things through PBL.
At STEP Schools, we teach our students to think independently and encourage them to ask questions, solve problems, and share their learning.
Steps of Project-Based Learning
There are 7 steps of project-based learning that help students to better understand the big picture, allowing them to plan carefully, enabling them to flourish.
Step 1: Brainstorming Authentic Ideas for the Project
First, start thinking about the ideas for the project that matter to you and the world. Think about something which makes you excited about an entry event: a story, some news, a real-world problem, or a picture that grabs your attention.
This step matters because the ideas used came from real life, the questions asked spark curiosity, and you feel enthusiastic about solving problems. It is genuine thinking that makes you engaged and makes the learning actual and motivating.
It is best suggested to think about content that arouses emotions such as excitement and happiness in students. This is so because it naturally connects your mind to learning and ensures that the content is remembered for a long time.
Step 2: Project Planning
The next step is to perform the proper planning of the project. You can collaborate to design project-based learning activities under the supervision of qualified teachers. In this step, you will decide who will participate in the project and what tools will be used to work on the project.
After the clarified path, ask a driving question that aligns well with your learning goals and thinking. Then, it’s time to make a timetable that includes the steps needed to do and the time required to do them.
At STEP Schools, students plan with the help of a teacher. This step is important because you learn to plan and organise, feel in control, and learn to set goals. This is also the beginning phase, where you use concepts and knowledge to think critically.
Step 3: Project Launch
It’s time to launch the project. The launch of the project should take a few forms or entry events that are captivating. As the project started in this step, you will introduce your driving questions and authentic audience. These two are significant tools to reveal critical thinking ability.
A list of questions is unloaded through a driving question. These questions help answer your driving question. This process is very important because creating a culture of inquiry is significant. Then, you begin research by reading, doing experiments, or conducting surveys. The research completion leads to a collection of data in the form of facts, pictures, numbers, or quotes.
This step matters because here you act like real researchers and experience the connection of learning with everyday life. Moreover, you start connecting to different subjects. STEP Schools used STEAM education (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, Mathematics) and ICT tools to help with research.
Step 4: Project Fulfils Six A’s Criteria
Before the implementation of the project, it is important to check that it meets the six A’s criteria. Many years ago, the six A’s criteria were formed to help in measuring work quality. The six A’s will give information about at what point the project stands on a scale of 1-10:
- Authenticity (utilises practical context)
- Academic rigor (talks about learning standards or usage of real knowledge)
- Functional learning (review using knowledge and work skills)
- Active exploration (giving a chance to interact with materials outside of class)
- Adult connections (ensure the involvement of coaches or mentors from the wider community)
- Assessment practices (regulate criteria for gauging desired results)
It is required for a good project to rank seven or higher on a minimum of four of the six indicators. But a great project always ranks high in all areas. To make sure all the projects are well-rounded and effective, STEP Schools fully evaluate the content.
This step matters a lot because it ensures quality and depth. Moreover, it makes the projects supportive, actual, and challenging. It also keeps learning on track.
Step 5: Project Implementation
This step is the practical application of your project. Students at this stage learn, think deeply, and build connections with skills and content recognised in project planning. Students create a model, design a poster, write a report, or any other project. They work on their ideas and observe the results. Also, students have the chance to revise things if needed.
You will move from step 2, which comprises collaborative learning activities, exercises, and direct instruction. Reaching this step, students engage in the application, examine, and assess kinds of critical thinking with knowledge and content.
Students at STEP Schools use STEAM labs, science tools, and computers to implement their projects successfully. Moreover, students stay focused with the help of our teachers’ guidance and feedback. This step matters because students only learn by doing practical things, building critical skills, and they learn teamwork and problem-solving.
Step 6: Project Conclusion
This is the stage where the projects end. You will prepare the final products in the form of a presentation, videos, models, etc. Now the product is ready to be presented in front of your authentic audience, such as classmates, teachers, parents, and the community.
This step helps you show your work and answer your driving question. Also, critical thinking will be fostered among students with the use of a single-point rubric. Students are encouraged to show their projects at science and art exhibitions.
This stage matters a lot for students because it lets them feel proud of their work, they learn to explain their ideas to others, and show their determination and hard work.
Step 7: Project Debrief
This is the final stage where you come together to talk about what you have learned during the project. You talk about things that went well and things that got hard. Also, you talk about the skills learned and the improvement required for the next project.
You will also reflect on the adjustments and revisions made in your future projects. Teachers at STEP Schools reflect on the students’ work, which helps them grow. This final stage is of prime importance because it consists of a reflection that builds deeper understanding. Moreover, students learn to self-assess and improve themselves for the future.
The meta-cognitive process of asking students to evaluate their learning and performance in the project is a great way to unite learning and think more deeply as learners.
Ready to explore Project-Based Learning
STEP School inspires rather than teaches only. Students will be able to build real projects, solve practical problems, and learn genuine skills through project-based learning.
Join STEP Schools and help your child become a future leader, creative thinker, and team player.
Final Thoughts
You can learn in a smart and strong way with the help of project-based learning at STEP Schools. The seven steps of PBL help students to think and plan carefully, work more effectively, share and reflect on their work, and grow. Thus, PBL builds confidence, practical skills, knowledge, and teamwork.