# WHAT IS PROJECT BASED LEARNING? Project Based Learning (PBL) is a learning method in which developers learn by actively engaging in real-world and personally meaningful projects.

In Project Based Learning, Instructors make learning come alive for developers. Developers work on a project over an extended period of time – mainly when starting to learn a new programming language and other skills – that engages them in solving a real-world problem or answering lots of complex questions in that particular area. They demonstrate their knowledge and skills by creating a public project and to document their learning process.

As a result of learning base on project, you develop deep content knowledge as well as critical thinking, collaboration, creativity, and communication skills. Project Based Learning unleashes a contagious, creative energy among the teacher and you.

PBL is not just a way of learning; it's a way of working together. If students learn to take responsibility for their own learning, they will form the basis for the way they will work with others in their adult lives.

How Does Project-Based Learning Works

Project-based learning, from all areas, requires a little high level of preparation and planning. It begins with an idea and an essential question. When you are designing the project and the essential question that will launch the activities, it is important to remember that many content standards will be addressed. With these standards in mind, devise a plan that will integrate as many subjects as possible into the project.

Have in mind what materials and resources will be accessible to you because of the level of vast materials in the internet. Next, you will need assistance in managing your time -- a definite life skill. Finally, have multiple means for assessing your completion of the project: Did you master the content? Were you able to apply their new knowledge and skills? Many educators structure their teaching patterns in developing these rubrics.

"Questions may be the most powerful technology we have ever created. Questions and questioning allow us to make sense of a confusing world. They are the tools that lead to insight and understanding." --Jamie McKenzie, The Question Mark

The following are steps to implementing project-based learning, and are explained below;

• Design a plan for the project
• Create a Schedule
• Monitor your Progress
• Assess the Outcome
• Evaluate your Experience

Design a Plan for the Project

When designing the project, it is essential that you have in mind which content standards will be addressed. Involve yourself in planning the project; then you will feel ownership of the project when you are actively involved in decision making. Select activities that support the question, thus fueling the process. Integrate as many subjects as possible into the project. Know what materials and resources that will be accessible to you. Be prepared to delve deeper into new topics and new issues that arise as you become increasingly involved in the active pursuit of answers.

Create a Schedule

Design a timeline for project components. Realize that changes to the schedule will happen. Be flexible, but help you realize that a time will come when they need to finalize their thoughts, findings, and evaluations. Consider these issues when creating a schedule:

• What time allotment will be given to the project?
• How many days will be devoted to the project?
• Set benchmarks
• Set deadline
• Celebrate your Achievements

Monitor your Progress

To maintain control without preventing yourself from taking other responsibilities, follow these steps while learning alone or with a group:

• Facilitate the process and the love of learning.
• Teach yourself how to work collaboratively.
• Designate fluid roles for group members.
• Have others choose their primary roles, but assume responsibility and interactivity for all group roles.
• Remind them that every part of the process belongs to each individual and needs each team member's total involvement.
• Provide resources and guidance.
• Assess the process by creating team and project rubrics.

What's the difference between team rubrics and project rubrics?

Team rubrics state the expectations of each team member: Watch the group dynamics. How well are the members participating? How engaged are they in the process? Assess the outcome.

Project rubrics, on the other hand, ask these questions: What is required for project completion? What is the final product: A document? A multimedia presentation? A poster? A combination of products? What does a good report, multimedia presentation, poster, or other product look like? Make the requirements clear to the students so they can all meet with success.

Assess the Outcome

Assessment meets many needs. It

• provides diagnostic feedback.
• helps educators set standards.
• allows one to evaluate progress and relate that progress to others.
• gives feedback on how well they understand the information and on what they need to improve.
• helps the teacher design instruction to teach more effectively.

Evaluate your Experience

To enable effective self-evaluation, follow these steps:

• Take time to reflect, individually and as a group.
• Share feelings and experiences.
• Discuss what worked well.
• Discuss what needs change.
• Share ideas that will lead to new questions and new projects.

When I started learning programming, I started taking free course online on programming to the extent I got hooked up to it. So I confused, because of so much information they were too much that I didn't even know what to learn again. So, for a project based learning it takes you directly to what you need and are relevant in what you are interested in learning.