The project method is an instructional approach where students apply the skills and knowledge they have learned to solve real-world problems with minimal teacher direction. Introduced in the 18th century for architecture and engineering students, it was later expanded by William Heard Kilpatrick to be a child-centered, progressive philosophy of education. While time-consuming, the project method gives students hands-on experience, enhances their skills, and allows them to be creative and imaginative. However, it can isolate students to a single activity for long periods.
2. What is a project method?
The project method is a medium of instruction which was
introduced during the 18th century into the schools of
architecture and engineering in Europe when graduating
students had to apply the skills and knowledge they had
learned in the course of their studies to problems they had to
solve as practicians of their trade, for example, designing a
monument, building a steam engine. In the early 20th
Century,William Heard Kilpatrick expanded the project
method into a philosophy of education. His device is child-centred
and based in progressive education. Both approaches
are used by teachers worldwide to this day. Unlike traditional
education, proponents of the project method attempt to allow
the student to solve problems with as little teacher direction
as possible.
3. Advantages:
An advantage of the project teaching
method is that it gives the students a
hands on experience.
Inhances manipulative skills of the
students.
Shows their creativeness and
imagination.
4. Disadvantage
A disadvantage of this teaching method
is that it can be very time-consuming.
It will isolate the student to a long period
of time doing one activity only.
May only enhance the same and
repeated skills in the side of the student.