Oral History

An Introduction to Project-Based Learning

Project-based learning, also referred to as project learning, has students exploring real world problems and because there's no real curriculum, as in you have to learn this skill on this day, students are developing skills across all content areas. Because project-based learning requires students to dive deeper into an area that interests them, students are more likely to retain what they've learned. In addition to inspired learning, students are also developing confidence and self-direction as they work individually and collaboratively. Teachers that have brought project-based learning into they classrooms have reported their students' communication skills have grown tremendously from working in groups and talking to people in the school and community. Students are also learning great organizational and research skills. Project-based learning is a great way to integrate technology into the classroom and a great way to have students become experts in technology. Computers, iPads, cameras, and smart boards are only a few pieces of technology you could have your students use. 

An Overview of Project-Based Learning

Technology has been the driving force behind the project-based learning movement. Having students immerse themselves in technology and learning deepens their understanding of certain topics. Either the teacher or students will pick a topic to study for the semester. Then they'll spend their time doing fieldwork, such as going on field trips to gather information, talking to community members, and conducting research. 63 The students will then develop a final project and present it to their school, class, or community.

The idea of project-based learning really interests me. I feel like in order for it to work, however, your school and principal has to be behind you 100%. Project-based learning takes time and effort, but the end results are so worth it. Project-based learning prepares students for that thing called the "real world" we keep hearing about. Students learn all kinds of things, from confidence to a wide variety of content knowledge skills.

Project-Based Learning: Real-World Issues Motivate Students

Gone are the times when our students would sit and we would teach and they would nod their heads at the appropriate times. Times have changed, and it’s a good thing! Project-based learning has taken over. Now, project-based learning isn’t exactly a new idea, but slowly and surely more teachers and school systems are moving to project-based learning.  How many times have you been sitting in a class, learning some skill and said, “I will never use this in the real world”? I know I’ve said it a countless number of times. Well, project-based learning takes sit-and-get learning to exploration. Students try to answer a question, one that’s relevant to them, that’s greater than the immediate task at hand. Instead of learning a certain set of skills in each content area class, students are learning skills to, get this, use in the REAL WORLD while working on this one project. Sylvia Chard, Professor Emeritus of Elementary Education at the University of Alberta, recommends a three phase approach. Phase one has the students involved in a discussion about the project topic. Phase two involves fieldwork (this is where the magic happens). Students gather information by reading, writing, drawing, computing, and talking with experts. Phase three has the students present the project to an audience. 

If you’re wondering if project-based learning is right for your classroom, the benefits alone are enough to sway your opinion because there is a ton! Researchers and educators say that enthusiasm for learning is the biggest benefit. Because students are excited about what they’re learning, they tend to dig deeper and expand their interest in learning a wide variety of subjects. This deep thinking and learning causes students to retain what they’ve learned rather than forgetting it right after a test.

Project-Based Learning

I, personally, have never had any experience with project-based learning, but the high school I graduated from started a senior project, where the seniors would shadow someone and learn all about their craft, make a project, and present their projects to an audience. Although, at the time I was happy I escaped high school without having to do a major project like that, I now wish I could've experienced it. After researching project-based learning, I think I would like to bring it into my classroom. It seems like it would be difficult to get started, but with the support of my principal, I think it can be done. I would like to have my students choose a problem they would like to look in to, and spend the semester researching and collaborating. It would be so fun to help them explore real-world problems and to watch their passion for learning grow.

Glogster

Glogster is a website that allows you to create "Glogs", a page where you can compile a bunch of videos, images, attachments, or text. Glogster is fairly simple to use, but would probably be too difficult for lower elementary students to use. This would be a great project for middle and high school students to do. They could work individually to create their own parts of the assignment and then work in groups to compile their parts. I could see myself using Glogs to teach my students. It would be so easy, everything I need is in one spot!

Classroom Video Projects

Video projects are so easy to create. In most cases, there is already software installed on your computer, such as Windows Movie Maker or iMovie. Users can upload videos, add narration or subtitles, and even music! With videos being easier than ever to create, it’s time we bring this art into our classroom. Creating a video lets every type of student in your classroom get involved. There’s behind-the-scenes roles for the shyer students and roles for the more outgoing students. Like I said, there’s literally a job for everyone.

I really like the idea of having my students create a short newscast of school and classroom events. Once we get the hang of making the videos, it could become a weekly project. Instead of sending out newsletters every Friday, I could post their newscast on YouTube, or on my blog every week! I would write down the important stuff that needs to go into the newscast, but the rest is up to them! And of course, I would have them switch roles every week, that way everyone gets a taste of every job. I feel like their parents would love it just as much as I would!