Teaching and Learning Strategies Project-based Learning

What is Project-based learning?

Project-based learning is a teaching and learning strategy that engages students in multifaceted activities that often include the development of a product or a performance. It consists of classroom activities that shift away from the classroom practices of short, isolated, teacher-centered lessons; instead emphasizing learning activities that are long-term, student-centered, and integrated with real world issues and practices. Project-based learning is also defined as “an in-depth investigation of a real world topic worthy of children’s attention and effort.” Projects usually require many days and several steps. Cooperative learning is generally used, and projects are often interdisciplinary.

The description of a project can be like a good story with a beginning, middle and an end--with specific timelines. Teachers and students can tell the story with reference to these three phases in the life of the project.

During the project, students are involved with higher-level tasks; for example, they may organize activities, conduct research, solve problems, and synthesize information.

How does project-based learning encourage student learning?

Project-based learning provides students the opportunity to practice and develop their ability to function in complex thinking environments. It also helps make learning relevant and useful to students by establishing connections to life outside the classroom, addressing real-world concerns, and developing real-world skills. Many of the skills learned through project-based learning are those desired by today’s employer, including the ability to work well with others, make thoughtful decisions, take initiative, and solve complex problems.

What does project-based learning look like in the classroom?

Project-based learning involves multifaceted learning activities. For example, when a student drafts a plan and builds a structure, they use the Internet to investigate its potential environmental impact, use a word processing application to document the building process, and develop spreadsheets for the associated accounting. This involves the use of skills and concepts drawn from courses in language arts, mathematics, building trades, drafting and/or design, and biology. Although project-based learning is not a new concept, it is an approach that supports the many tasks facing teachers today, such as meeting state standards, incorporating authentic assessment, infusing higher-order thinking skills, guiding students in life choices, and providing experiences that tap individual student interests and abilities. Student performances and products created during project-based learning activities provide opportunities for teachers to include authentic assessment in their instruction.