Hello visitors,

Working on Project-Based Learning is an interesting topic that we covered during the fifth weeks and is very important because it is the kind of tasks that motivate students and enhance the HOTs (Higher Order Thinking skills) and encourage collaborative learning. It is important to determine the enabling skills and prior knowledge that pupils need to be taught (or should know already) in order to complete a project successfully. Prerequisite skills include language (grammar), computer and organizational skills; for example:
_ how to use a search engine
_ how to use an online dictionary and encyclopedia
_ how to summarize information in pupils’ own words
_ how to ask a research question
_ how to distinguish between useful and non-useful resources
_ how to be a critical appraiser of websites
_ how to divide the work load efficiently among group members
_ how to use a graphic organizer
The language proficiency, level and age of the class, and pupils’ computer skills will determine what enabling skills must be taught.
Collaborative learning also happens between the participants of the course. Each one shares his/her experience and opinion. Although we have different background, we have agreed on the core of the fifth week which is that projects are very important and they are a good task to do in the classroom where technology takes a great deal while working together.
In one of the classes I asked my students to be creative and invent things from material that they don't use anymore. They came up with lots of marvelous inventions and for good purposes. They worked in groups of boys and girls who will never work together in a regular classroom.
Learning through projects is a wonderful way to acquire the language, build self-esteem, and attract attention to what your students are capable of doing. What you need is to spark them and let them work. You will be amazed from their imagination.

Best,
Maha