Thursday, January 5, 2012

Project Based Learning


Here is an article from 'Just another WordPress.com site' which I think is very good! Take a look!

 

Project-Based Learning for Better Students

 There are numerous reasons why project-based learning will become the norm in classrooms across the country.  These reasons all contribute to a more effective learning environment for students.
The first reason that project-based learning is effective can be found in the unique learning style it presents.  Research shows that students who have hands-on participation in the classroom are able to stay more attentive and effectively retain more information.  This hands-on approach is rampant in elementary schools, but who said that it stopped working after a student moves to 6th grade?
The second reason that project-based learning is so effective, is due to the aspect of collaboration.  When a teacher puts students in small groups and asks them to share ideas or answers, the students are able to expand their thoughts and minds.  More importantly, collaboration is a skill that these students will be asked to continuously use once they enter the work force.  The theory is that with more practice, these work force employees will be more effective.
Lastly, in project-based learning each group of students is asked to present a final project or finding.  This keeps students accountable and allows them to take pride in their work.  The more positive rewards and sense of accomplishment that can be given to students, the more confidence they will possess.  As you see in the video from BIE, the students become extremely excited when speaking about their own ideas or models.  Confidence within students leads to them taking more chances for accomplishment.
My prediction is that the more project-based learning that is implemented in classrooms, the more effectively our students will learn materials presented.  The saying goes “Tell me how and I will forget, Show me how and I will remember, Allow me to and I will understand.”  As teachers are exposed to more examples of this method, expect to see even more innovative applications in the future.

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