The message of the video " Project Based Learning: Explained." is that project based learning also known as "PBL" for short, is an effective and necessary way to teach students 21st century skills and knowledge. Project based learning starts with the premise that once students graduate high school and enter college, post-college training and the workforce, they will be living in a world of projects which require problem solving in order to complete. According to the video, project based learning promotes communication, critical thinking, and collaboration, three skills that are necessary in order to participate in the world of projects. In project based learning, students learn to be leaders by leading projects relevant to their subject and learn to work in teams. Teachers main task is to come up with projects, and assess students in their learning, while students figure out how to solve the problem presented in their groups. These projects can fit into the curriculum in several ways. Projects can be the majority of the curriculum, as it is at some charter schools, or it can be used at various times during the year, such as during a unit or at the end of a unit.
This vision of education fits into my current belief about education well because it is student centered, conveys practical skills and is something that students can get excited about. I especially think projects are useful when they have real world benefits for students outside of school that they clearly see and are excited about. This is not always possible, however there are some cases where it can be. For example, when I was in high school there was an auto shop class where students worked on their own cars with the new knowledge they learned. It is easy to see how a student would be interested in learning about auto skills when they are driving out of class with improvements to their own vehicle. Ultimately, the path of project based learning is one that deepens knowledge and skills for life, while being less about memorization of facts which will be quickly forgotten.
This vision of education fits into my current belief about education well because it is student centered, conveys practical skills and is something that students can get excited about. I especially think projects are useful when they have real world benefits for students outside of school that they clearly see and are excited about. This is not always possible, however there are some cases where it can be. For example, when I was in high school there was an auto shop class where students worked on their own cars with the new knowledge they learned. It is easy to see how a student would be interested in learning about auto skills when they are driving out of class with improvements to their own vehicle. Ultimately, the path of project based learning is one that deepens knowledge and skills for life, while being less about memorization of facts which will be quickly forgotten.