Project+Based+Learning

 Project based learning is an authentic tool to motivate students to learn. I do not feel that I use project-based learning enough in my classroom. Recently though, we incorporated it into a Spanish II class. We researched Spanish foods, created a menu utilizing Euros and pesos, and then wrote, rehearsed, and videotaped a restaurant skit. Some of the students told me that they learned more from this chapter than they have all year! From my observations I would have to agree. The students asked more questions than normal, worked longer and more intensely, and seemed to enjoy the tasks that were put to them. I see true relevance in doing project-based learning. It allows teachers to see students demonstrate their knowledge in more ways than with just a pencil and a test. Teachers take on the role of observer, guide or mentor instead of the being the only source on knowledge in the room. Whereas teachers are supposed to be experts in their fields of knowledge, we are well aware that there are so many more ideas and more up to date information than we can possible keep up with. In project-based learning we are giving students the opportunities to have access to more recent data, express their individual ideas, and perform to their potential. Students are given opportunities to expand their knowledge on the projects and become more self-directed. It is easier to teach and promote critical thinking skills when students do more talking and creating than the teacher does. From my experiences, students are truly not interested in a large percentage of the work that they are doing in their classes. When teachers create innovative, project-based lessons, the greatly improved interest and motivation is evident! Need it be mentioned that when interest and motivation are increased so it learning and retention! With my strong beliefs of the benefits of project-based learning, I have already started incorporating it into my curriculum. Obviously, I would like to increase the usage. I have spent some time considering how to use more projects in my classes and feel that a good start is simply go to the students. They have some experiences with projects, and they can provide me with immediate feedback. If no ideas are evident, then I reserve the right to design one of my own accord. There could be potential downsides to doing project-based learning. I do believe that all of the pitfalls can be eliminated with careful planning and communication, however. One of the first battles to be fought may be with parents and administrators. People want to see “the test” and feel that only true learning and assessment can be done in this fashion. They may also feel that projects may not be evaluated as fairly as pencil and paper tests and that biasness can infiltrate the grading procedure. Another potential downfall could be the preparation of the project. If the project is not well prepared well, then the whole project is doomed. Ultimately, the benefits outweigh the negatives simply because with project-based learning there are more opportunities to engage in authentic learning which students connect with relevancy in their lives.