 Project-based learning is considered an alternative to teacher-led classrooms.  Project-based learning emphasises learning activities that are student- centered.  The benefits of PBL include: - Greater depth of understanding of concepts - Broader knowledge base - Improved communication and interpersonal/social skills - Enhanced leadership skills - Increased creativity - Improved writing skills - Students organise their own work and manage their own time

 2 perspectives: - Teacher facilitated - student emphasised, emphasis on “students doing” e.g. applying skills and knowledge - Teacher guided - teacher accountability emphasised. Teach curriculum standards and engage students › Both perspectives derived from the same basic question, who’s in control?  Best practice of PBL supports students construct learning for themselves  To inspire the desire to learn from within the student  Promotes a shift from teacher activity to student enabled  Can develop skills in technology use, inquiry, research, teamwork and cooperation, communication and content delivery  Potential of PBL to create diversity and introduce awareness.

 In short engagement is made by students: ...have some choice in deciding what they will work on. ...plan their own project. ...participate in defining criteria and rubrics to assess their project. ...solve problems they encounter while working on their project. ...make some sort of presentation of their project.

 Project Based Learning is an instructional approach built upon authentic learning activities that engage student interest and motivation  Designed to answer a question or solve a problem  A well-designed project provokes students to encounter (and struggle with) the central concepts and principles of a discipline.  generally done by groups of students working together toward a common goal  skills involved include communication and presentation skills, organization and time management skills, research and inquiry skills, self-assessment and reflection skills, and group participation and leadership skills.

Agricultural systems.  Describing a farming system  Describing a system is a broad topic and is more of an introductory part of the course.  By using PBL students have the freedom to explore different types of systems.  This informs the teacher of students preference or interest area to draw upon later in the course  Sharing the PBL’s with the class helps broaden other students knowledge of farming systems  Encourages students to work on research techniques and skills needed for further study.  Using a prescribed framework allows the teacher to guide the learning and set parameters for students to work between