Project-Based Learning
The Creative Arts Magnet Program continues to develop learning through a project-based learning approach.
These projects are standards-focused in order to support accountability and performance. Instructional methods vary and incorporate high standards, rigorous challenges, and valid assessment methods.
Attributes of well-planned projects
- Recognizes students’ drive to learn and ability to do serious work.
- Allows students to use essential skills including technology, research, thesis development.
- Problem solving requires information from investigation, research, and reasoning.
- Includes multiple products which increases learning.
- Encourages collaboration through small groups, student-led presentations, or whole-class evaluations.
Benefits to students include
- Helps students to “know” and “do.”
- Supports development of skills in problem solving, communication, and self-management.
- Encourages thinking habits needed for lifelong learning.
- Integrates curriculum areas and thematic instruction.
- Assesses performance and skills in a way that encourages accountability.
- Creates positive and collaborative relationships among students.
- Accommodates various skill levels and learning styles among students.
- Time for teachers to work with individual students.
A project based approach works particularly well in small learning communities where teacher collaboration and extended blocks of time are possible.
The above information taken from the Project Based Learning Handbook published by the Buck Institute For Education
