Let’s talk about the benefits of project-based learning! In my last post, Implementing Projects Provide Important Learning Opportunities for All Learners, I provided ideas for including projects at the end of the school year and during summer school sessions. Not only is project-based learning engaging during those last few weeks of school and the hot days of summer school, but they also have great advantages throughout the entirety of the school year. Both students and teachers find project-based learning to be an authentic and inclusive learning experience.
Benefits of Project-Based Learning for Students
Students of all ages and abilities enjoy when they can take charge and have ownership of the product they are creating to demonstrate their knowledge. Project-based learning creates an inclusive environment where students can take risks in their learning while developing universal skills that they can apply in and out of school. Students will experience these benefits with project-based learning:
- Explore a topic that interests them within the content area
- Collaborate with peers and teachers
- Build and strengthen communication skills
- Practice critical thinking skills
- Problem-solve or pivot from original plan if necessary
- Increase confidence
- Motivation to produce their best work
- Apply research skills
- Develop a sense of project management
- Self-reflect on what worked well and what can be improved on
- Perseverance during moments of struggle
Benefits for Teachers
As teachers, we are always saying we wish we had more time to do x, y and z with our students. Sometimes we shy away from a learning experience because we know the avalanche of work that will come with it to prepare, implement, and then assess it. I am here to reassure you that there are many benefits to project-based learning for us teachers. In fact, what if I could share some ways we get “extra” time with our students because of this implementation? Teachers can experience the benefits of project-based learning in the following ways:
- Projects can be easily differentiated for special education students
- Increase students’ independence
- Opportunities for teachers to work with small groups
- Multiple assessment options that provide teachers a more authentic assessment of what their student’s understand.
- Creates real-world experiences and applications to make learning more engaging for students
- Incorporate connections to other content areas
- Stronger classroom management
- Effective time management
- Increase communication between teacher and student with consistent constructive feedback and check-ins within student conferencing (one-on-one or in small groups)
- Strengthen rapport with students by engaging them in active dialogue about their progress, thought process, and where they are heading with their project
Honestly, these lists could both keep going! I hope reading over these benefits has encouraged you to take the leap of implementing project-based learning into your classroom! Don’t let fear of the unknown stop you from taking your teaching to the next level with a learning experience that engages your students!
I feel your excitement! You are feeling ready to begin project-based learning, or maybe you want to take a peak and see what’s out there. You can jump into project-based learning with this Natural Disaster project that has been already differentiated for your classroom!
You can get a better look at what this project is about by watching this YouTube video.
Take the leap into project-based learning – I will be there each step of the way!
2 Responses