Discover the synergy of academic rigor and skills-building in project based learning.
“Project-based learning (PBL) allows students the freedom to explore and create, but this freedom is anchored by clear academic objectives and thoughtful scaffolding.”
Chiamaka Osakwe, Lead Co-learner, Buds (7 - 9 years old) at KEY academy
The Buds learning group at KEY academy is where I have the joy of working with our oldest students, an energetic and curious bunch of 7- to 9-year-olds. My role here goes beyond teaching - on any given day, I’m a guide, a cheerleader, and even a fellow learner. It’s a journey that keeps me on my toes, filled with reflection, adaptation, and plenty of growth as I get to know each student’s unique learning style, challenges, and boundless potential.
Our learning adventure at KEY academy starts in the Bees space (ages 1.5 to 3 years), where play takes centre stage. And let me tell you, play is so much more than “just play”! It’s where the fun and creativity happens - where foundational skills like problem-solving, teamwork, and creativity begin to blossom. By the time the children join us in the Buds space, after passing through the Seeds and Roots, these playful beginnings have laid a solid foundation for the more structured, yet still flexible, world of project-based learning (PBL).
Why Project-Based Learning (PBL)?
Working with the Buds has shown me just how transformative project-based learning can be. Each project becomes a dynamic blend of curiosity, creativity, and critical thinking. One of the most rewarding parts of this approach is seeing my students dive deeply into real-world issues through interdisciplinary projects. These projects aren’t just tasks - they’re meaningful, impactful, and carefully crafted to address both the challenges of today and the future they’ll one day lead.
Take our Makoko: Clean and Green project, for example. The students explored sustainable energy solutions to tackle the environmental challenges faced by the Makoko community. But they didn’t stop at learning about concepts like biogas or wind turbines - they grappled with the practical realities of implementing these solutions in the real world.
I will never forget the moment one student lit up with excitement after connecting the concept of carbon footprints to the science behind energy production. It’s moments like these that reaffirm why PBL is so powerful: it empowers students to see their learning as relevant, meaningful, and tied to the bigger picture. Beyond academic skills, projects like these help them grow in resilience, teamwork, and problem-solving - essential tools for navigating life’s challenges.
Balancing academic rigour with freedom
A common misconception about project-based learning is that it’s all freedom and no structure. In my experience, nothing could be further from the truth. PBL allows students the freedom to explore and create, but this freedom is anchored by clear academic objectives and thoughtful scaffolding.
For example, during our Threads of Tradition project, we explored the question, “Do culture and tradition really intersect?” Using hexagonal thinking as a tool, the children examined connections between geography, climate, economic conditions and fashion trends across different cultures.
This structured activity sparked engaging discussions and helped the students navigate complex ideas with clarity and depth. It’s this balance - offering space for creativity while ensuring academic rigour - that makes project-based learning so effective.
My role as a co-learner
As a co-learner, our term for teacher, my role is ever-evolving. I am constantly observing, reflecting, and adapting to meet the unique needs of each student. No two days are the same, and that’s part of what makes this journey so rewarding. Whether it’s guiding a discussion, stepping back to allow independence, or diving into collaborative problem-solving, every moment is an opportunity to grow alongside my learners. That’s why we refer to teachers as co-learners at KEY academy. We learn and grow with our students constantly.
Each day, I partner with my students to understand their thoughts, experiences, and aspirations. This collaboration helps me support their individual goals and needs, creating a personalised and meaningful learning journey.
One of the most valuable lessons I’ve learned in this role is that mistakes are not just inevitable but essential. By sharing my own missteps openly, I model vulnerability and resilience, fostering a classroom environment where students feel safe to take risks and embrace learning as an ongoing process of discovery.
Why PBL matters for academic rigour
Project-based learning (PBL) strikes the perfect balance between academic rigour and hands-on engagement. It moves beyond rote memorisation to help students apply their knowledge in meaningful, real-world contexts. This approach deepens their understanding of complex concepts while nurturing essential life skills like communication, collaboration, and adaptability.
For example, in a project where our students had to develop their own businesses, they integrated literacy skills to write business plans, mathematics to calculate costs and profits, and social studies to analyse supply and demand. These projects are practical and imaginative, offering students a holistic learning experience that prepares them for future challenges.
Research, like Blumenfeld et al.'s article, "Motivating Project-Based Learning: Sustaining the Doing, Supporting the Learning" (1991, Educational Psychologist) and Condliffe et al.’s review of PBL for Lucas Education, amongst others, consistently supports the effectiveness of PBL in enhancing both retention and critical thinking. By actively engaging with real-world problems, students in PBL environments retain information better and develop higher-order thinking, creativity, and collaboration skills - all essential for thriving in today’s complex, ever-evolving world.
A community of learners
At KEY academy, we’ve created a space where curiosity thrives. Our students are encouraged to ask bold questions, embrace mistakes, and celebrate their progress. Whether they’re exploring how culture shapes fashion trends or brainstorming sustainable solutions for environmental challenges, they’re discovering their potential as active contributors to the world.
Working with these inquisitive, capable young minds fills me with gratitude. Their curiosity and resilience inspire me to nurture the same qualities in myself. Each day in the Buds learning space is a reminder of why education matters - not just for shaping students but for continually evolving as educators. As we refine our approach and embrace new ideas, I’m excited to see how our Buds blossom into the innovative thinkers and compassionate leaders of tomorrow.
Conclusion
If you’re a parent or educator curious about project-based learning (PBL), I hope this glimpse into the Buds’ learning journey gives you a sense of its transformative power. PBL brings learning to life, combining academic depth with real-world engagement. It challenges students to think critically, solve meaningful problems, and collaborate effectively - skills they will carry for life. At KEY academy, we are not just teaching; we’re inspiring a lifelong love of learning, one project at a time.
Written by Chiamaka Osakwe, Lead Co-learner, Buds (7 - 9 years old) at KEY academy
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