The document discusses the project method, which is a teaching approach developed by Dr. Kilpatrick. It involves having students work on real-world projects to solve problems. The key steps are creating a situation, proposing a project, planning, executing, evaluating, and recording the project. Benefits include developing skills like self-confidence, but it can be time-consuming and difficult to fit into a standard curriculum. Some example math projects are running a school bank or planning construction projects. While challenging for math, the method provides practical learning if used alongside traditional teaching.
2. Definition
Project method
is of American origin and is an outcome of Dewey’s
philosophy or pragmatism. However, this method is
developed and advocated by Dr.Kilpatrick.
• Project is a plan of action – oxford’s advanced
learner’s dictionary
• Project is a bit of real life that has been imported into
school – Ballard
• Project is a unit of wholehearted purposeful activity
carried on preferably in its natural setting –
Dr.Kilpatrick
• A project is a problematic act carried to completion in
its most natural setting – Stevenson
3. Basic principles of Project Method
Psychological principles of learning
Learning by doing
Learning by living
Children learn better through
association, co-operation and activity.
Psychological laws of learning
Law of readiness
Law of exercise
Law of effect
4. Procedures of Project Method
Step 1. Creating the situation:
The teacher creates problematic situation in
front of students while creating the appropriate
situation student’s interest and abilities should be
given due importance.
Step 2. Proposing and choosing the project:
While choosing a problem teacher should
stimulate discussions by making suggestions. The
proposed project should be according to the rear
need of students. The purpose of the project
should be well defined and understood by the
children.
5. Procedures of Project Method
Step 3. Planning the project:
for the success of the project, planning
of project is very import. The children should
plan out the project under the guidance of
their teacher.
Step 4. Execution of the project:
every child should contribute actively in
the execution of the project. It is the longest
step in the project.
6. Procedures of Project Method
Step 5. Evaluation of the project:
when the project is completed the teacher
and the children should evaluate it jointly discussed
whether the objectives of the project have been
achieved or not.
Step 6. Recording of the project:
the children maintain a complete record of the
project work. While recording the project some
points like how the project was planned, what
discussion were made, how duties were assigned,
hot it was evaluate etc. should be kept in mind.
7. Advantages
This is based on various psychological laws
and principles.
It develops self-confidence and self-discipline
among the students
It provides ample scope for training.
It provides score for independent work and
individual development.
It promotes habits of critical thinking and
encourages the students to adopt problem-
solving methods.
8. Advantages
This method the children are active
participants in the learning task.
This is based on principle of activity, reality,
effect, and learning by doing etc.
It develops discovery attitude in the child.
It provides self-motivation as the students
themselves select plan and execute the
project.
9. Disadvantages
It takes more time.
The knowledge is not acquired in a
sequential and systematic manner
It is very difficult to complete the whole
syllabus by the use of this method.
It is not economical.
Textbooks and instructional materials are
hardly available.
The project method does not provide
necessary drill and practice for the learners
of the subject.
10. Disadvantages
The project method is uneconomical in
terms of time and is not possible to fit into
the regular time table.
Teaching is disorganised
This method is not suitable for a fixed
curriculum.
Syllabus cannot be completed on time
using this method
11. Some Projects for Mathematics
A few projects suitable for high school mathematics
are listed below
Execution of school bank.
Running stationary stores in the school.
Laying out a school garden.
Laying a road.
Planning and estimating the construction of a
house
Planning for an annual camp
Executing the activities of mathematics clubs
Collection of data regarding population, death
rate, birth rate etc.
12. Conclusion
Though project method provides a
practical approach to learning. It is difficult to
follow this method for teaching mathematics.
However this method may be tried along with
formal classroom teaching without disturbing
the school timetable. This method leads to
understanding and develops the ability to
apply knowledge. The teacher has to work as
a careful guide during the execution of the
project.