Project-based Learning

What is project-based learning?

Project-based learning is a teaching approach that engages students in learning knowledge and skills through an extended inquiry process structured around complex, authentic qu

estions and carefully designed products and tasks. Recognizing that children have different learning styles, learning through projects allows the students to delve into the content in a more direct and meaningful way. Project-based learning tasks are inherently differentiated and range from smaller projects lasting one to two weeks in length to semester-long, interdisciplinary projects. Project-based learning lends itself to all disciplines—especially science, history-social science, math, language arts, and the visual and performing arts—and provides learners the opportunity to have a voice in how and what they learn while building intrinsic motivation.  

What to consider when differentiating instruction

Project-based learning reflects more authentic assessment and allows for multiple assessment opportunities for teachers and students—offering a more differentiated model for monitoring and evaluating student understanding. The project-based learning approach invites a child to demonstrate his/her capabilities while working independently or within cooperative groupings to construct meaning. Projects, such as experiments, model building, poster development, and the creation of multimedia presentations, are all viable activities within project-based learning and present multiple ways for students to demonstrate their knowledge. Project-based learning is not an effective approach for teaching basic skills, but it does offer an engaging, motivating, and meaningful way for students to apply their acquired knowledge and skills.  

In a nutshell, project-based learning:

• Allows for a variety of learning styles
• Provides access for differentiated learners
• Encourages student choice
• Promotes the use of higher order thinking skills
• Builds conceptual knowledge
• Utilizes various modes of communication
• Fosters student responsibility and ownership of learning
• Utilizes real time data to gauge student learning
• Promotes interdisciplinary connections
• Is student centered    

Resources

Performance Assessment - Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development
http://www.ascd.org/portal/site/ascd/menuitem.4427471c9d076deddeb3ffdb62108a0c/ (outside link)
Get useful information and resources on implementing and assessing performance tasks in the classroom.

Project Based Learning
http://pblchecklist.4teachers.org/ (outside link)
This resource for teachers provides useful information for including project-based learning, including checklists and customizable rubrics.

Project Based Learning with Multimedia
http://pblmm.k12.ca.us/PBLGuide/WhyPBL.html (outside link)
This website gives an in-depth description of project-based learning as a model for student learning and provides examples of multimedia projects in different subjects and grade levels.