How can you use project-based learning to spark curiosity in your students?

1 What is curiosity and why is it important?

Curiosity is the desire to learn new things, explore new possibilities, and seek answers to questions. Curiosity is a key driver of learning and innovation, as it motivates students to pursue their interests, overcome obstacles, and expand their knowledge. Curiosity also enhances students' engagement, creativity, and critical thinking skills, which are essential for success in the 21st century.

2 How does PBL promote curiosity?

PBL promotes curiosity by providing students with authentic and meaningful learning experiences that connect to their passions, needs, and goals. PBL allows students to choose their own topics, questions, and methods of inquiry, which fosters their intrinsic motivation and ownership of their learning. PBL also exposes students to diverse perspectives, resources, and feedback, which stimulates their curiosity and encourages them to dig deeper into their learning.

4 How to facilitate a PBL project that sparks curiosity?

To facilitate a PBL project that sparks curiosity, you need to adopt a different role than a traditional teacher. Instead of being the source of information, you become the guide, mentor, and co-learner. You need to create a culture of inquiry, where students are encouraged to ask questions, explore ideas, and share their findings. You also need to monitor students' progress, provide feedback, and adjust the project as needed. You need to balance the structure and flexibility of the project, giving students enough freedom to pursue their curiosity, but also enough guidance to achieve the learning goals.

5 How to assess a PBL project that sparks curiosity?

To assess a PBL project that sparks curiosity, you need to use multiple and varied forms of assessment that reflect the complexity and diversity of the project. You need to assess both the process and the product of the project, using both formative and summative methods. You need to involve students in the assessment process, by setting criteria, self-assessing, peer-assessing, and reflecting on their learning. You also need to use authentic and performance-based assessments, such as portfolios, exhibitions, presentations, or demonstrations, that showcase students' curiosity and learning.