Project-based pedagogy, which involves immersing learners in concrete tasks, is increasingly popular. Say goodbye to purely theoretical learning: the focus is on “learning by doing” or “on-the-job” training.
But is this approach as effective as it’s often claimed to be? As with most things, the answer depends on several factors.
Consider the example of a field where project-based learning is increasingly used: computer programming. If you ask a programming novice to build an e-commerce website connected to a database without providing additional guidance, they are likely to feel lost, much like a "chicken with a knife."
However, if you first provide foundational knowledge (e.g., what HTML is) and break the mission into smaller tasks, each targeting a specific learning objective (such as creating a simple HTML page displaying only the text “Hello World”), learning and project work can harmoniously align.
It’s important to note that learning by doing isn’t always guaranteed. It’s entirely possible for someone to work in the same role for decades without improving their skills. If their role is complex, such as project management, and they don’t receive meaningful feedback, they’ll struggle to pinpoint the reasons behind their successes or failures.
For instance, if a client is unhappy, is it because I responded to their email too late? Because the email contained an error? Because I should have called instead? Or were they already dissatisfied for reasons I didn’t notice? Similarly, if my manager reprimands me, does it reflect a mistake I made or just a bad day on their part? This lack of clarity is the daily reality for many employees. Without clear expectations, achievable goals, and actionable feedback, trial-and-error learning fails. After all, why would I change my behaviour if I don’t know what needs to change?
👉 The conditions for successful project-based learning:
Each task must be linked to a specific teaching point.
Clearly explain the connection between the task and the associated learning objective. You are not a martial arts master from action movies who assigns cryptic “tests” whose meaning only becomes clear to the student later.
Provide regular corrective feedback.
Feedback is essential to ensure that learners understand their progress and areas for improvement.
Keywords: project-based learning, learner progression, pedagogical recommendations
Need additional help? Feel free to contact us at [email protected]. Our team is here to support you and help with your projects! 💬