The project method of education, rooted in Dewey's philosophy and developed by Dr. Kilpatrick, emphasizes learning through real-life projects that engage students in purposeful activities. It involves several steps: creating problem situations, choosing projects relevant to students, planning, executing, and evaluating the project, while promoting self-confidence, critical thinking, and independent work. Despite its merits, the method can be time-consuming and may not align with fixed curricula or provide necessary drills for students.

1. PROJECT
METHOD
K.THIYAGU,
Assistant Professor,
Department of Education, Central University of Kerala

2. Project Method
Project method
is of
American origin
and is an
outcome of
Dewey’s
philosophy
or
Pragmatism.
Project method
is developed and
advocated
by
Dr.Kilpatrick

3. Project is a plan of action
(Oxford’s Dictionary)
Project is a bit of real life that
has been imported into school
(Ballard)

4. A 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)

5. Basic Principles
of
Project Method

6. Psychological Principles of Learning
Learning
by
living
Children learn better
through association, co-operation and activity.
Learning
by
Doing

7. Psychological laws of learning
Law of Readiness
Law of Exercise
Law of Effect

8. STEPS INVOLVED
IN
PROJECT METHOD

9. Providing / Creating the situations
Step # 1
The teacher creates problematic situation in front of
students while creating the appropriate situation student’s
interest and abilities should be given due importance.

10. Proposing and Choosing the Project
Step # 2
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.

11. Planning the Project
Step # 3
The children should plan out the project under the
guidance of their teacher. For the success of the
project, planning of project is very import.

12. Execution the Project
Step # 4
Every child should contribute actively in the
execution of the project. It is the longest step
in the project.

13. Evaluation / Judging the Project
Step # 5
Every child should contribute actively in the
execution of the project. It is the longest
step in the project.

14. Recording the Project
Step # 6
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, how it was evaluate etc. should be kept in mind.

15. Example
Step 1. The number of hostellers will be recorded.
Step 2. The expected expenditure will be calculated.
Step 3. Expenditure on various heads will be allocated to the students.
Step 4. Budget will be prepared with the help of the class.
Step 5. The account of collections from amongst the students will be noted.
Step 6. Actual expenditure will be incurred by the students
Step 7. A chart of ‘balance diet’ for the hostellers will be prepared.
Step 8. The time of refreshment, lunch and dinner will be fixed and notified.
Step 9. Execution of different programs stated above will be made.
Step 10. Stock of each hostel will be checked after regular intervals, and the
same will be put on record.
Step 11. Punctuality in all the activities of the hostellers will be recorded.
Step 12. Evaluation of the entire program, and then it will be typed out for the
information of all concerned.

16. Projects for Mathematics
Execution of school
bank
Running stationary
stores in the school
Laying out a school
garden
Planning & 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.

17. Merits
• Develops self-confidence and self-
discipline among the students
• Provides ample scope for training.
• Provides scope for independent work
and individual development.
• Promotes habits of critical thinking and
encourages the students to adopt
problem-solving methods.
• Based on principle of activity, reality,
effect, and learning by doing etc.
• Develops discovery attitude in the child.
• Provides self-motivation as the students
themselves select plan and execute the
project.

18. Demerits • Time Consuming
• Very difficult to complete
the whole syllabus
• Textbooks and instructional
materials are hardly
available.
• Uneconomical in terms of
time
• Does not provide necessary
drill and practice for the
learners of the subject.
• Not suitable for a fixed
curriculum.

19. Conclusion
Project method provides a
practical approach to
learning.
It 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.

20. Licensed under
Thank You
Jai Bharat!