As parents, we must have heard of Project-Based Learning for Early Years students. What are the benefits of project-based learning then? Moreover, why is this approach appropriate for students in modern education?
“Project-Based Learning” is an educational method in which students will be actively learning for a long time, while also collaborating with peers to answer questions or solve related problems relevant to that project. This educational model is student-centered, focusing on encouraging children to participate in learning, explore, ask questions, and form their own opinions.
The teacher not only plays a key role as a communicator, but also guides, supports, builds a positive learning environment and gives students a role in the project. As a result, students’ active participation in learning activities is enhanced, creating opportunities for them to be more creative, sharp-minded, enhancing teamwork and problem-solving skills, helping them be more responsible.
Project-based learning is a teaching method implemented in early childhood education programmes in many international schools, including Tesla School. This model is built on natural curiosity, allowing children to interact, ask questions, connect, solve problems, communicate and reflect. That approach creates conditions for children to explore knowledge by asking themselves questions and thinking for answers.
Different from the traditional teaching method, teachers in the “Project-Based Learning” model act as guides for students. With professional knowledge and dedication, teachers will be a companion to encourage students’ curiosity and freedom to create and explore.
Together students will identify a problem, explore it, and solve it. Learning through a project based approach is an educational environment for children to be equipped with necessary skills in the 21st century such as planning, teamwork, communication, presentation, critical thinking and problem solving. This learning process provides opportunities for children to learn to collaborate with others, self-manage, and accumulate knowledge – important life skills for academic advancement and personal development.
Compared to other methods, Project-based learning at Tesla has many outstanding advantages such as:
– Students learn how to actively plan and assign tasks, and teachers are only guides and create a learning environment.
– Learning is energized and inspired when students discover new things and share them with others.
– Students know how to apply skills and knowledge to discover what interests them
– Students have many opportunities to hone their problem-solving skills, teamwork skills, develop critical thinking,…
– Practice and build confidence when students talk about what they know and can do.
Project based learning is also highly practical when students participate in field trips. This is an opportunity for students to learn, discover and verify the knowledge they have learned at school, thereby nurturing social emotions and developing life skills.
Early education with project-based learning for Early Years students allows them to learn and discover early lessons about themselves and the world. Thereby, students can make a connection between their own experiences and real life. Students not only acquire knowledge, but more importantly, they gradually understand themselves and get ready to become lifelong learners.
