Project-based learning in schools
Applying Project-Based Learning to the ÎNSEMN competition in a school
1. Introduction
“ÎNSEMN: PLAI ȘI VATRĂ — EMBLEMA LOCULUI” is an educational project that can be successfully integrated into Project-Based Learning (PBL) in schools. This student-centred method helps develop essential critical thinking, creativity, collaboration and technical skills through practical, applied learning.
By entering, pupils learn about local identity, heritage and graphic design and develop transferable skills through an active educational process.
2. Structuring ÎNSEMN as a PBL project
Phase 1: Launch and initial challenge
- Introduce the competition as an interdisciplinary school project: local history, geography, art, ICT and personal development.
- Form a project team of pupils, coordinating teachers and, where appropriate, external partners: local artists, historians and designers.
- Define a clear objective: create a logo representing their community and reflecting local identity.
Phase 2: Research and investigation
- Divide pupils into working groups to research local symbols, history, traditions and heritage.
- Arrange field visits to museums and historical sites, and interviews with knowledgeable people, to gather information.
- Use digital and bibliographic resources to discover examples of representative logos and symbols.
Phase 3: Developing the logo concept
- Hold brainstorming sessions where pupils share ideas, sketch concepts and receive feedback from teachers and peers.
- Choose graphic elements and symbols relevant to their community.
- Experiment with digital tools to produce vector logos: Inkscape, Adobe Illustrator, CorelDRAW or free applications such as Canva.
Phase 4: Developing the logo's story
- Each team writes a short description or legend explaining its logo and the elements used.
- Practise visual and written communication, developing presentation and storytelling skills.
Phase 5: Presentation and judging
- Hold a school exhibition where pupils present their work and explanations.
- Involve a jury of teachers, pupils, local artists and community members, evaluating logos against clear criteria: creativity, relevance and visual clarity.
Phase 6: Reflection and practical applications
- Discuss the creative process, what pupils learned and how to apply the experience in everyday life.
- Explore using logos in school materials or community projects.
- Incorporate winning designs into locality promotion campaigns or future educational initiatives.
3. Benefits of Project-Based Learning in ÎNSEMN
- ✔ Learning by doing: Direct experimentation improves understanding.
- ✔ Creativity and autonomy: Develops visual and conceptual thinking.
- ✔ Collaboration: Teamwork builds social skills.
- ✔ Digital skills: Practice using vector graphics software.
- ✔ Interdisciplinary integration: Connects history, geography, art and ICT.
- ✔ Real impact: The community can use the results over the long term.
Integrating ÎNSEMN™ with Project-Based Learning can turn the competition into a complete, engaging educational experience with a profound impact on pupils and their community.
Legal implementation note — Romania / EU
Publication, awards or file delivery do not automatically transfer rights or place artwork in the public domain. Moral rights remain with the author. Organiser uses and any third-party reuse require the express permissions in the revised non-exclusive agreement. Descriptive proposals about free use apply only within permissions actually obtained. Follow representation / approval rules for minors; do not publish contacts or signatures.
Legislative references
Reviewed: 16 October 2026. For other countries check local law; recheck applicable law at the edition date.
- Legea / Law nr. 8/1996, art. 10–13, 40–44.
- Codul civil / Civil Code — Legea / Law nr. 287/2009, art. 38–43.
- GDPR și / and Legea / Law nr. 190/2018.
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