Let's try to identify the main features of the project, its structure, value. We will pay special attention to the features of project activities in educational institutions.
Relevance
To begin with, any new idea on the basis of which the project will be drawn up must be relevant not only for a specific person. It is the demand for the idea that will determine the significance of the project, its practical use.
Currently, project activities are given special attention not only at the level of professional and higher education, but also in secondary schools. The final result of the entire project depends on how relevant is the direction that is chosen for work.
Goal setting
How to determine the goals and objectives of the project? This issue is the most important. Before proceeding with the development of the project, in whatever area of activity it is carried out, it is necessary to formulate the goals and objectives of the project.
If we are talking about a school project, then the teacher acts as a mentor for the working group or individual work. It is he who must help his students to formulate the specific goal of the project, to determine the tasks that will be solved as they work.
Work algorithm
Distinctive features of the project are that it is necessary to think over a mechanism of action, outline a preliminary work plan. The success of the project is directly related to the correct choice of the algorithm of actions. Studies conducted in different countries have shown that all modern leaders in politics and economics have just project thinking.
At present, educational institutions of all levels of education have been given the task of forming project thinking in the younger generation. Having outlined an action plan, we can proceed to the selection of methods.
Action program
First of all, in order to identify the characteristic features of the project, it is necessary to carefully study the theoretical aspects of the issues addressed. This stage cannot be neglected, otherwise the information considered in the work will be irrelevant.
The main features of the project are the existence of a special program of action, which indicates the expected (expected) results. In addition, among its distinctive parameters, it is necessary to mention the availability of cost estimates. Research work does not imply a quantitative indication of costs, but for the project this stage is an important and mandatory moment of activity.
School project
Despite the fact that in secondary schools, according to the new federal standards, project activity is mandatory for each student, there is still no clear idea of what the signs of the project are, what it should include.
This term is acceptable when work is carried out related to the solution of a specific problem. The project is aimed specifically at finding a solution, at achieving the result that was originally set in the work. It can include some elements of abstracts, reports, independent research activities, if this is required by the purpose of the project.
Project-Based Learning
Currently, design technology is used in almost all school disciplines. Considering the tasks that the Ministry of Education of the Russian Federation poses for a modern school, the development and design of their own project allows students to self-develop, and also positively affects their professional choice. Distinctive features of the project:
- independence;
- demand;
- realism.
In information technology, design work is carried out not only on the basis of programming languages, but also using a variety of application programs: spreadsheets, presentations, databases.
Professional self-education of the younger generation involves the use of design methods.
The value of projects
Knowing the distinguishing features of the project, school teachers try to create situations for their pupils when it is necessary to use logical thinking to solve the tasks. This contributes to the development of the personality of children, develops their independent activity, the manifestation of creative abilities. The project involves several activities at once:
- collective;
- group
- individual.
Project example
We bring to your attention a version of the project that can be completed with children. For example, you can develop, calculate, and then carry out the improvement of the school territory:
- So, the main goal of such work will be the improvement of the school site.
- As tasks, we can single out the choice of planting material, the selection of decorative elements.
- In order to calculate costs, a cost estimate is made. It includes the cost of acquiring seeds, paint, material for flower beds, fertilizers, and land. Considering that the participants will be schoolchildren, the article relating to the payment of landscaping works may not be included.
- In addition, you can make sketches by indicating on them the initial version of the territory and the planned result after completion of work related to its improvement.
Any project activity, no matter what branch of knowledge it touches, wherever it is conducted, allows you to create independence, develop logical thinking, and gain new knowledge and skills.