Oral Histories

Project-Based Learning

        Project-based learning is a great way to engage your students and encourage learning. Not all students learn the traditional way of sitting and listening. I love that the project-based learning incorporates so many positive attributes for students.
        Project-based learning encourages teamwork by using collaboration of the students to work on the various assignments. Knowing that peers and parents will view their project, it encourages them to do their best. The students are able to investigate the problem and come up with the solution by researching and gathering information. Not only can the students present what they have learned orally, but it can also be presented in a digital slide show or on a display board.
        I think that project-based learning method is a wonderful idea. I suggest that all teachers consider incorporating it into their curriculum. It can be used for Math, Science, English, or even Social Studies. It is a great way to help students be able to understand, apply and retain the information that they have researched. The students will know what they have learned when they have to research it and put it together.

Project-Based Learning: An Overview

        Project-based learning is a system of learning by doing. It is a system that is practiced around the world. Sophomore, Geometry students use it to solve problems. Their project consisted of designing a state-of-the-art high school to be built in 2050 on a particular site. Second and fifth grade students have used it to study cystic fibrosis and even design tools to put out fires in space. The students are more energized, focused, and challenged than in a traditional setting and curriculum. 

        The students are determined to do their best. They are able to collaborate real world projects. This puts students at the center of the learning process. Being at the center is the key to transforming the educational system. The transformation of new technology has helped make project-based learning available by moving past traditional curriculum. It is not about learning a particular subject on any given day.

        Project-based learning gives everyone the chance to mimic what scientists do. It can be fun, if it is done well. It is a great way to encourage collaboration amongst one another. It is also more authentic and challenging but yields positive results. There are fewer limitations with project-based learning and greater ways of connecting.

Project-Based Learning Video

An Introduction to Project-Based Learning

        Project-based learning is how one 9^th grade class does physics. They are able to create, build and test various wing structures that they design in teams. They then present their information to their parents, peers and even a panel of engineers by using data and graphs. The real tasks allow the students to learn by demonstrating.

        The project-based learning has shown to be the most effective way to teach. It is a unique way to present tasks that bring challenges for students to solve. This will help prepare students to be functioning adults by using their hands on activities for learning.
        With project-based learning, kids have shown that they learn better from their own experiences. Project-based learning can also be more effective that traditional learning by increasing academic achievements. It allows students to understand, apply, and retain information. Students are building skills, such as critical thinking, communication, and collaboration when using project-based learning.

An Introduction to Project-Based Learning Video

Project-Based Learning:Real-World Issues Motivate Students

        Bruce Alberts, Professor Emeritus at the University of California, states that, “Everybody is motivated by challenge and solving problems, and we don’t make use of that in schools enough. Project-based learning gives everybody a chance to sort of mimic what scientists do, and that’s exciting. And it’s fun if it’s done well.”

        It is best to start with hands-on projects. Project-based learning provides an excellent education, more so than the traditional. It encourages the students to ask questions and research a variety of sources. The projects usually last six weeks or more. Students are able to use whatever is appropriate to help solve the problem.

        Sylvia Chard, Professor Emeritus of Elementary Education at the University of Alberta, defines project learning as an “in-depth investigation of a real-world topic worthy of children’s attention and effort.” The first step involves the initial discussion and personal experience that can be connected to the topic. The second step involves sessions with experts and gathering the information. The third step is the actual presentation of the project to the audience. Project-based learning is not as catchy amongst the parents since their way of learning was different. 
        Along with enthusiasm, comes the desire to learn more. That is just what the project-based learning does. The students desire to dig deeper to learn more and even retain what they have learned and been taught. They make connections and expand on their social skills. This allow for a more confident student who makes better grades and has less disciplinary problems.