CEDU 521 - Week 1

What is project-based learning and how might you use it in your classroom?

Project-based learning is a teaching strategy that engages students in learning by having them investigate answers to questions that cannot be answered simply by rote learning. This type of learning helps to improve problem solving and higher-order thinking skills of students. Typically, students are welcomed to create a project based on their individual interests. As a result, teachers who use project-based learning notice increased attendance and improved attitudes toward learning.

As a special education teacher, project-based learning can be especially challenging. Many of my students have fallen victim to "learned helplessness" and are not comfortable taking the lead role in a project. Regardless, I see many benefits in this type of teaching strategy and I am looking forward to learning more about it and integrating project-based learning into my current curriculum.