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.
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2 comments:
Yes -- this can be a challenge but maybe it will also open new doors for your students. The trick might be to keep the original project small enough so that students can easily see the end.
I really believe that the hardest step is the first one. As you start anything new, its just so hard to figure out where you start. It reminds me of writing papers for my English classes. Once I was able to get started, stopping was the next problem. As Connie said, start small. Project based learning doesn't mean that it has to be a huge project, and for your students (my students as well) it may make sense to just make small achievable goals. Keep at it, CRoss
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