PROJECT METHOD
By: Sayangpong Pongen & Thrilongse Sangtam
Project Method:
According to the Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary, a project is defined as a
plan of action that generally involves a task or problem, requiring constructive
thinking, practical action, or both on the part of the student. The project method of
teaching is rooted in the philosophy of pragmatism and is an experience-centered
strategy closely connected to real-life situations. Its primary aim is to socialize the
child while addressing cognitive, affective, and psychomotor objectives. This
method was introduced by John Dewey, the American philosopher, psychologist, and
educator, and stands as a direct outcome of his educational philosophy. It emphasizes
group activity, giving it both importance and recognition in the learning process.
Definitions of Project:
"A project is a unit of activity in which pupils are made responsible for planning and
purposing." -Parker
"A project is a problematic act carried to completion in its natural setting." -
Stevenson
By analysing these definitions, we see that a project has some purpose and there is
planning to achieve that purpose which is achieved in social, real and natural
situations created in the school.
It can therefore be said that a project is a unique form of experience arising from the
interests and desires of students. Teaching through this method is essentially based
on channelling these desires into purposeful learning. The project method is best
described by the phrase “Learning by Living,” which highlights the idea that human
beings, as social creatures, cannot acquire knowledge in isolation. They learn more
effectively within a group or community setting. Hence, if individuals are to live
harmoniously in society, schools and educational institutions must provide them
with balanced opportunities to engage in problem-solving experiences similar to
those they are likely to encounter in real life.
In this method, students select a suitable project which they are expected to complete
in a cooperative and natural manner. Such projects are usually based on the needs
and problems that learners face in their daily lives. Under the guidance and advice
of the teacher, students work together to find practical solutions to these problems.
Principles of Project method:
This teaching method is based on the following principles:
• Principle of Utility: The projects should be useful, practical, and closely
related to students’ real-life situations.
• Principle of Readiness: Involve the learners in finding the solution of the
problem with their active participation.
• Learning by Doing: Learner performs certain tasks and experiences different
activities. This adds to his knowledge and results in learning.
• Principle of Socialisation: It develops the feeling of cooperation,
collaboration, and group work.
• Inter-disciplinary Approach: To involve the knowledge of different subjects
in solving different problems.
• Principle of Freedom: Students are given full freedom for selecting and
completing their project.
• Principle of Activity: Learner performs so many activities for completing any
project.
• Principle of Purpose: Every project has some purpose and students complete
the project to fulfill the purpose.
• Principle of Reality: Every project is a replica of real object. It gives the
complete idea of real object.
• Principle of Experience: Learner gains various experiences by doing project.
• Principle of Correlation: Students learn to correlate various things while
doing any project.
• Principle of Interest: It develops interest among students towards teaching-
learning process. Students can utilise their leisure time in a proper manner.
Types of project method:
Kilpatrick has classified the project method in four types:
• Constructive: When learners have to construct some things related to social
life, e.g. charts, models, maps, parcels etc.
• Artistic: These projects are generally allotted in the aesthetic fields of life e.g.
in music, drawing, painting, art and culture.
• Problem-solving: These projects are given to solve the problems related to
any life-situation or related to any subject, e.g. Problems related to food and
nutrition, improvement in health etc. These general problems if solved will
make a child efficient.
• Group-work: A team of students is assigned a work to be performed, e.g. to
develop a garden in the school.
Criteria of a good Project:
• A project should have a definite purpose and be complete in itself. It must be
useful, practical, and directly connected to the daily life of students, with clear
and well-defined objectives.
• The learning activities involved should be realistic, purposeful, and natural.
• Students should take responsibility for planning and directing their own
activities.
• The project must be undertaken at the right time and be relevant to the
learners’ needs.
• It should present an appropriate level of challenge to engage the students.
• The project should be feasible and achievable within the given resources and
conditions.
• The degree of complexity plays a vital role in determining the success or
failure of the project.
• It should be designed to promote problem-solving skills.
• The learning experiences gained during the process should have long-term
value and applicability.
• Students should be given complete freedom to work independently and
according to their own initiative.
Characteristics of Project Method
1. Learner-Centered Approach
o The method gives importance to students’ needs, interests, and abilities.
o Learners actively participate and take responsibility for their learning.
2. Learning by Doing
o Knowledge is acquired through practical experiences rather than rote
memorization.
o Students perform real-life tasks and activities while learning.
3. Purposeful Activity
o Every project has a specific goal or objective.
o The activity must be meaningful and related to students’ life or
environment.
4. Integration of Subjects
o A project often requires knowledge and skills from multiple subjects
(e.g., science, social studies, language).
o Promotes holistic learning instead of isolated subject knowledge.
5. Problem-Solving Nature
o Projects usually emerge from a problem or real-life situation.
o Students identify problems, investigate them, and find solutions.
6. Collaboration and Teamwork
o Projects often involve group work, encouraging cooperation,
communication, and social skills.
o Students learn to share responsibilities and work collectively.
7. Teacher as a Guide
o The teacher does not impose but guides and facilitates.
o Provides necessary resources, suggestions, and supervision while
allowing independence.
8. Flexibility
o Projects do not strictly follow rigid timetables or textbooks.
o Students’ progress at their own pace and can adapt the work based on
circumstances.
9. Real-Life Orientation
o Projects are connected to real-life problems, situations, or experiences.
o Students apply what they learn in practical contexts.
[Link]-Oriented
o Every project ends with a concrete outcome or product (e.g., report,
model, chart, exhibition).
o The outcome reflects both the process and the learning achieved.
[Link] of Various Skills
o Promotes critical thinking, creativity, problem-solving, research,
organization, and communication skills.
o Encourages both intellectual and practical development.
Role of the Teacher in project method
The teacher should assume the following role in accomplishment of project goals:
• He is a guide, friend and philosopher.
• He helps the student in solving their problems.
• He encourages his students to work collectively, cooperatively in the group.
• He also helps his students to avoid mistakes.
• He makes it a point that each member of the group contributes something to
the completion of the project.
• If students encounter failure during any step of the project, the teacher should
simply explain the reasons for their setback and suggest better methods that
they can apply in the future to achieve success.
• The teacher should remain attentive and active throughout the execution of
the project.
• Teacher should have thorough knowledge and experience.
Advantages of Project Method
The advantages of project method are as follows:
• It is based on 'learning by doing'.
• It is a psychological and scientific method.
• The students are free to choose any project.
• It provides opportunities for mutual exchange of ideas.
• It develops self-confidence and self-discipline in the students.
• It upholds the dignity of labour.
• Emphasizes critical thinking and problem solving.
• Develops communication and collaboration skills.
• Limitations of Project Method
This method has certain limitations, which are as follows:
• It is very difficult for a teacher to plan or to execute the projects to the learners
and supervise them.
• This method can only be successful if the teacher is highly knowledgeable.
• This method leaves a gap in pupil's knowledge.
• It is expensive.
• The whole syllabus cannot be taught using this method.
• It requires time and lots of materials.
• Teaching and learning becomes disorganized, irregular and discontinuous.
Conclusion
The Project Method is a highly effective approach that makes education meaningful,
practical, and closely connected to real life. Originating from John Dewey’s
philosophy of pragmatism, it emphasizes “learning by doing” and encourages
students to engage actively, work collaboratively, and take ownership of their
learning process. By drawing upon knowledge from multiple subjects, it nurtures
cognitive, social, emotional, and practical development. Despite certain limitations
such as the need for more time, resources, and a competent teacherthe advantages in
promoting creativity, critical thinking, problem-solving, and teamwork far outweigh
the drawbacks. When applied thoughtfully, the Project Method becomes a powerful
strategy for equipping learners to face real-life challenges and grow into confident,
cooperative, and self-reliant individuals.