PROJECT METHOD

PROJECT METHOD

This method was propounded by W.H Kilpatrick. This method was perfected by J.A Stevenson. The base of this method lies in the philosophy of pragmatism. John Dewey wanted that education should be for life and through life. This method emphasizes on building a comprehensive unit around an activity which may be carried out in school or outside. The essence of this method lies in the fact that a group of students do a purposeful task. This implies the students undertake the activity in a group or individually over a period of time. It may include a number of activities and the end product is in the form of written report or a display.

“A project is a whole-hearted purposeful activity proceeding in a social environment”- Dr. William Kilpatrick.

“A project is a problematic act carried to completion in its natural setting”. – Stevenson.

“A project is a bit of real life that has been imported into school. – Ballard.

Thus, project is a purposeful activity and planned activity which is achieved in social, natural situations created in schools.

PRINCIPLES OF PROJECT METHOD:-

1. The Principle of freedom.

2. The Principle of purpose.

3. The Principle of activity.

4. The Principle of interest.

5. The Principle of utility.

6. The Principle of correlation.

7. The Principle of sociability.

8. The Principle of experience.

9. The Principle of reality.

10. The Principle of learning by doing.

TYPES OF PROJECT:-

All the project can be divided majorly into two types.

(i) Individual Project.

(ii) Group Project.

According to W.H. Kilpatrick projects are of four project.

i) Producer projects

ii) Consumer projects

iii) Problem projects

iv) Drill projects.

PRODUCER PROJECT: -

Here the emphasis is on actual construction of a material object or article.

CONSUMER PROJECT: -

Here the emphasis is gain on obtaining either direct or vicarious experience, such as reading and learning stories, listening to a musical delectation etc.

PROBLEM PROJECTS:-

The main purpose is to solve a problem using intellectual process, such as determining the density of a certain liquid.

DRILL PROJECTS: -

This type of project emphasizes on attaining a certain degree of skill in a reaction as learning a vocabulary.

Steps of Project Method:-

1. PROVIDING A SITUATION: -

The teacher provides a situation to the students which must create same problems and students must feel interested to work.

2. CHOOSING AND PURPOSING: -

The students are tempted to choose a project. The teacher should stimulate discussion by suggestion. While choosing the project the teacher should bear in need that it should be of real need to students. The purpose of project must be clearly defined to the students. The project must be common and acceptable to all. In case of wrong choosing, teacher must help students tactfully to see that the students choose a better project. They should be asked to write down the reasons for selection.

3. PLANNING: -

The success of the project lies in the good planning. The students should plan out ht whole project under the guidance of teacher. Every child must be encouraged to participate in the discussion and make suggestion. All the students are encouraged to write down the plan neatly and properly.

4. EXECUTING: -

Execution of different activities to different students on the basis of their capacity leads to successful completion of the project work. It is the longest step and requires meticulous assignment of duties to different students or groups the teacher must guide and encourage students. It is the duty of the teacher to keep watch on the process of activities and instruct as and when requirement.

5. EVALUATION: -

This is very important step as; the students review the project and find out mistakes if any. Self-Criticism is very important at this stage. The students discuss their work and rectify their mistakes and recollect useful knowledge. The teacher sees that the objectives of the project have been achieved.

6. RECORDING: -

The students keep a complete record of entire activity. How they planned, discussions were held, how duties are assigned, how criticism were made, which will help them in their future work.

ROLE OF TEACHER: -

1) Teacher must be a friend, guide and working partner.

2) Teacher must have through knowledge of individual student and allot work accordingly.

3) Provide democratic atmosphere.

4) He should learn with students and should not claim to know everything.

5) He must be inexperienced, initiative and process tact for creating positive ambience.

MERITS OF PROJECT METHOD: -

1). This method is based upon the laws of learning. They are as follows:

a. Law of readiness

The students are made ready to learn by creating interest, purpose and life situations.

b. Law of exercise

The student’s carry out activities in the real life situations, the experiences gained thus are very useful in the later life of the students.

c. Law of effect

The sense of success and satisfaction should follow the learning process. This law makes it essential for the teacher to make the student satisfy and feel happy in what he is learning.

2) It promotes Co-operative activity.

3) It arouses and maintains interest of students.

4) It keeps the students on freedom of thought and action while doing the work.

5) It develops scientific attitude.

6) It widens the mental horizon of student.

7) It develops dignity of labour.

8) The students learn by self activity.

9) The correlation of subjects is best followed in this method. The subjects are not treated as water tight compartments.

10) This is a psychological method.

DEMERITS OF PROJECT METHOD: -

1. The knowledge is not acquired in a sequential manner.

2. There may be a chance of overlapping of subject matter.

3. If not planned and executed properly them, it may not be completed in time.

4. It is a time consuming process.

5. It may be a costly affair where in same items/things may not be available at times.

6. There may be overdevelopment of individualism and under development of co-operation and group responsibility.

7. If the topic in wrongly selected them the objective may not be achieved.

8. It gives to students a superficial knowledge of great many things. Therefore it is not suitable for all types of students.

9. This method is not suitable for a mature teacher.

10. The whole syllabus, for higher classes cannot be accomplished with this method.

SUGGESTIONS TO IMPROVE: -

1. The topic should have same educational value.

2. Project should be selected according to the student’s interest.

3. Entire course should not be planned only using this method.

4. The objectives of the project must be clear and defined.

5. Students should be assigned various duties according to their capabilities.

6. The students should be given freedom to interact among themselves.