Not all learning processes facilitate the exchange of information between a learner and a tutor. The importance of the interaction between both of them is that it eases every process of imparting knowledge, especially in schools and most importantly in higher education institutions. In adverse cases, the overall essence of knowledge sharing and learning is often defeated when it is devoid of this interchange. This is why projects are highly prioritized in higher education teaching and learning.
Learning is forever an endless circle. New things and ideas continuously emerge as the world progresses by the day. By building on existing knowledge, new ideas create ways by which others can evolve to support the loop. Whether old or new, projects play an important role in scholarship – it unveils the skills of students.
One important thing that project-based learning does is that it allows students to discover new knowledge and alternative ways of solving their academic and future challenges – critical thinking. Without carrying out these projects, students might be unable to explore new ways of carrying out activities or problems associated with their career choices and how they can swiftly navigate them.
Project-based learning provides additional skills for students such as leadership, collaboration and networking. Through group projects, leadership skills can be inculcated whenever students are tasked with the responsibility of coordinating with their peers to produce the best quality resources. This particular task has supported the career of many people in Nigeria and beyond, by excelling in leadership thereby paving the way for development.
When given individual tasks, students take charge of their affairs and are always keen to accomplish their tasks. Again, public speaking skills and deficiencies are usually uncovered when students are given individual tasks, projects or presentations. In contrast, students that are not confident tend to lose focus and are vulnerable to anxiety and its effects. Others who are confident readily grab such opportunities to display their skills and talent and excel with relative ease.
The needed effective participation of students is gotten from a project-based approach to learning. Some students are timid whenever they are engaged in class projects. This set of students is comfortable with average or low performances. So when projects are given to students, they tend to bring this set of laggards on board. It significantly increases student engagement and improves their understanding. Ultimately, it develops the curiosity of students to yearn for more ideas.
For higher education lecturers, project-based learning offers an amazing opportunity for feedback. The result of the interaction that happens during and after projects is very helpful for improving teaching and learning methods. This learning process can be efficient in enabling a seamless higher education experience for youths.