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III. 2. Practice. Project-based pedagogy: arguments for and against

Project-based pedagogy: arguments for and against

Befor using PBL in the classroom, it is worth looking at its advantages and possible disadvantages.
The arguments for and against have been collected in a table format which can be found below.

Arguments for PBL  Arguments against PBL (difficulties encountered)
It enhances learner motivation. Curricula are too rich. No time is left for the elaboration of complex topics or the solution of more complicated problems.
It enriches learners’ phantasy, improves creativity and motivates work. It is difficult to find suitable time frame to project work within the traditional system of 45-minute lessons.
It develops problem-solving skills and calls for action. A lot of preparation and organizational work is needed to change the traditional classroom work and/or timetable.
It boosts self-confidence. Learners sometimes do not take projects seriously. They think about project work as ’entertainment’.
It develops investigative learning and, due to the new form of learning, it helps to sustain learners’ interest. The initial enthusiasm might diminish in case learners encounter difficulties.
It creates an opportunity to practice cooperative learning techniques. Some learners might be involved in too many tasks within the project and due to this situation they might neglect other school subjects.
It changes the hierarchical structure of teaching/learning because teacher and learner become partners in the project. Knowledge acquisition is mosaic-like, because each group is familiar with its own area, or task. Group members pay less attention to the work of other groups and do not follow the reports by their peers thoroughly.
Joint activities make learners more tolerant and their social competences develop. Time is too short to elaborate the topic in its complexity.
It creates an opportunity to relate to the ’real’ world outside the classroom. Some basic skills (numerical or spelling skills) cannot be developed within project work.

Practice

1. Re-read the arguments for and against PBL and then choose a partner from your class to discuss how to turn the disadvantages into advantages.

2. What types of pedagogical projects do you know?

For key see section II.4.