Project-based learning: A transdisciplinary methodology for the 21st century school
Project-based learning: A transdisciplinary methodology for the 21st century school
The society at the beginning of the 21st century (with widespread access of Information and of Knowledge) is characterized by complexity, which calls for relating diverse contexts and varied sources of information in the production of knowledge. In fact, although qualifications are very important in professional success, K (knowledge) workers are required to have more and another types of skills, beyond those that traditional curriculum development presents (content, division and linear progression), as the boundaries between learning and work are increasingly blurred.
Therefore, the pedagogical work to be prioritized in terms of curricular development cannot continue to be that of “providing content”, but rather that of developing learning in a contextualized way (based on the desires, dreams and needs of children and young people, in the context of their community), framing multiple intelligences, developing high-level skills (soft skills) and disciplinary skills (hard skills), and achieving learning objectives duly contextualized through integrative and creative projects, promoting transdisciplinarity and self-regulation of learning.
The most powerful pedagogical strategy to respond to a well-contextualized learning process, truly meaningful, motivating and promoting high-level skills, is Project/Problem-Based Learning (PBL), a methodology that integrates the Project Methodology (PM).
This course aims not only to make known the validity of PBL in carrying out in-depth learning, but also to lead the various participants in the course to use it in a safe and sustained way in their work contexts, supporting others to apply it with success.
Objectives
- Provide knowledge, in a well-founded way, of the project methodology and its three modalities (strategies) of pedagogical action.
- Promote individual and collective questioning and reflection to update professional practices.
- Promote active learning methodologies, giving teachers security in their development.
- Promote pedagogical action based on project methodology, with particular emphasis on Project/Problem-Based Learning.
- Consolidate group spirit and the ability to interact in order to improve practices.
- Integrate digital technologies into pedagogical practice, in a contextualized and meaningful way in the learning processes.
- Develop communities of practice and learning.
Methodology
Student motivation is increasingly difficult to achieve at school these days, as what is promoted there is often superficial knowledge that is intended to be tested at a given moment and then quickly forgotten.
At the same time, students have difficulty to see the usefulness of the school activities they carry out, as they are often very far from their centres of interest, desires or needs.
Through Project/Problem Based Learning (PBL), students develop knowledge, through a transdisciplinary conception of learning, and integrating skills (transversal – soft skills– and disciplinary – hard skills), in a motivating, solid and deep way, engaging in meaningful activities linked to their centers of interest and the real world.
You will learn the best tools to use with students, at the same time, understand, through practice, the power of developing critical and creative thinking, self-regulation of learning and cooperative work in building the 21st century school.
At the end of the course, you will be aware of the power that this educational strategy has in achieving deep and meaningful learning and you will be able to promote its application among teachers or use it in your pedagogical practice with the children or young people you guide.
Benefits to participants – Skills and competences
- Understand the origins of project methodology and the educational principles that underlie it.
- Knowing what is PBL and how useful it is for each educator and the building of a 21st century school.
- Create, with the students, detailed, effective, and manageable PBL plans.
- Include knowledge from any discipline in the development of PBL, naturally and from a transdisciplinary perspective.
- Know strategies to motivate students and develop skills that are essential for their integration into future social and professional life.
- Promote the evaluation of PBL work, through a formative assessment with high-quality feedback.
- Certificate of attendance
- Europass Mobility Document (if requested)
Training Programme
DAY 1: Introduction to the course and Project/ Problem-based Learning (PBL)
- Introduction to course contents;
- Icebreaker activities;
- 21st Century Competencies;
- Theoretical framework of project methodology and its methodologies;
- Theoretical framework of PBL;
- Presentation of digital technologies to support the development of training.
DAY 2: Implementing PBL
- Find PBL topics;
- The construction of research questions;
- The structure of PBL work;
- Presentation of the “ABP Learning Roadmap”;
- Strategies to promote self-regulation of learning.
DAY 3: The construction of knowledge
- Research and constructing knowledge by the teams;
- Triangulating information and the “fake information”;
- The dynamics of the Learning Roadmap;
- Frequently Asked Questions.
DAY 4: PBL Design and Assessment
- Research and constructing knowledge by the teams;
- Assessment and Evaluation;
- Kinds of Assessment;
- Assessment in PBL.
Day 5 – Presenting PBL and course evaluation
- Completing and presenting your PBL plan and rubric;
- Brainstorming and discussing school-wide PBL programs;
- Course evaluation: round-up of acquired competencies, feedback, and discussion;
- Awarding of the course Certificate of Attendance.
Standard course fee
450 EUR
Includes class materials & coffee-breaks
Optional pack
+75 EUR
Includes 3 visits to companies/business related to the topic of the training course + 1 cultural visit (e.g. local beaches and/or Underground Museum or similar)
Trainer
António Quaresma Coelho
Ana Ribeiro (ana.ribeiro@raisemotions.pt)
Target audience
School principals & directors (primary & secondary)
Teachers (primary & secondary)
Training managers & supervisors
Trainers (formal & non formal education)
Government officials & all those in charge of educational policy (government, ministry of education)
Language(s)
English (Level B2 Required)
Duration
5 Days
“Project-based learning: A transdisciplinary methodology for the 21st century school” availability