Project Method

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Project Method
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Methods of Teaching

• Lecture
• Discussion
• Questions
• Demonstration
• Project

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Definition

• An educational method where students working
  individually or in small groups analyze and
  developreal-life problem or tackle a present
  day theme within a preset time limit, working
  independently and with the division of tasks
  clearly defined.

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Introduction

• The project is one of the standard teaching
  methods.
• It is generally considered a means by which
  students can
• develop independence and responsibility
• practice social and democratic modes of behavior.
  
• The project method is a genuine product of the
  American progressive education movement.
• Whenever constructivist concepts, inquiry-based
  learning, problem-solving, and design are
  discussed in American education, the "project" is
  considered to be one of the best and most
  appropriate methods of teaching.

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Introduction Continued

• When a student successfully completes a project
  they demonstrate the information learned and the
  ability to complete a group of skills.
• Criterion-referenced assessments help to
  eliminate competition and may improve cooperation.

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History of Project Method

• Method of choice since the dawn of civilization
• 590-1765 The beginnings of project work at
  architectural schools in Europe.
• 1765-1880 The project as a regular teaching
  method and its transplantation to America.
• 1880-1915 Work on projects in manual training
  and in general public schools.
• 1915-1965 Redefinition of the project method and
  its transplantation from America back to Europe.
• 1965-today Rediscovery of the project idea and
  the third wave of its international dissemination.

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How does project method fit in modern education?
Learning Principle
Project Method

• We learn best when we are ready to learn.

• Must know, to do.

• Practice and application are requirements.

• Learning is enhanced with use.

• We learn best when new knowledge is useful and
  beneficial.

• Direct project selected is based on immediate
  need.

• Successful learning stimulates more learning

• The complexity of the projects increases.

If a person only knows how and not why, they will
seldom advance above skilled labor.
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Characteristics of a Skilled Craftsman

• Choose appropriate materials
• Plan procedures
• Lay out work
• Select methods
• Select best tools and equipment
• Displays required level of skills to use tools
  and materials.
• Can analyze and solve problems
• Are able to adapt to change
• Follow written and oral directions.

All are components of project method.
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Five (5) Characteristics of Good Projects.

• Identifiable educational objectives
• Clearly defined
• Appropriate in scope and difficulty for the
  abilities of the student
• Related to student needs
• Challenging

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Project Evaluation

• If students complete projects as part of the
  curriculum--they must be evaluated.
• Many teachers do not use the project method
  because they dont want to spend the time that it
  takes to select, supervise construction and
  evaluate projects.
• Evaluation should be criterion referenced.
• Reduces subjectivity
• Evaluations are more consistent.
• Removes personality conflicts
• Can develop a common evaluation for different
  types and scale of projects.

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Criterion Referenced Evaluations

• "An assessment where an individual's performance
  is compared to a specific learning objective or
  performance standard and not to the performance
  of other students.
• Criterion-referenced assessment tells us how well
  students are performing on specific goals or
  standards rather than just telling how their
  performance compares to a norm group of students
  nationally or locally.
• In criterion-referenced assessments, it is
  possible that none, or all, of the examinees will
  reach a particular goal or performance standard.

Wildemuth (1985)
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Using Criterion Referenced Evaluation with
Project Method
Critical aspects
Project Method

• (1) Goal/task analysis -- identify what needs to
  be learned,

• Problem project will solve.
• Educationally and physically

(2) Performance objectives -- exact specification
of the outcomes to be accomplished and how they
are to be evaluated (the criterion).

• (2) Determine individual performance in
  comparison to a standard or criterion.
• Accuracy of dimensions
• Quality of paint
• Supporting documentation

Robert Mager
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ExampleMultiple Item, Multiple level Criterion
Referenced Evaluation
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Advantages Of Project Method

• Opportunity to learn skills that are important
  for jobs.
• Provides an opportunity for individuals to use
  their hands.
• Completion of the project gives individuals an
  accomplishment.
• Stimulates an interest in Agricultural Mechanics.
• Adds variety to a program.
• Provides immediate results.
• Advertises the work of the

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• Questions