An innovative approach to learning is the project-based learning
approach. Project- based learning is a technique teachers are using to incorporate
a method of teaching an in-depth study of a particular topic conducted by a
child or a group of children. The project-based approach is incorporated into the
curriculum but does not always constitute the entire curriculum.
Teachers let the children’s ideas lead the project. The
teacher can make a topic web with the children to find a topic they are most
interested in. The teacher can then create a lesson plan with step by step
procedures of how they will achieve each project. This allows children freedom
and creativity in the classroom. This is believed to promote brain development
by encouraging children to collaborate with each other thought the project. Children’s
learning is enhanced by field trips, art activities and real life connections.
I had the privilege to watch a teacher implement a
project-based learning approach last year. This teacher comprised a group of 5 boys who
shared a common interest in cars. Throughout the course of this project I saw
the children build car ramps, build cars out of cardboard, racing cars to see which
is the fastest, touring the parking lot to trace tire marks and they were even
able to take a trip to see what a mechanic does. At the end the project the
children were able to describe important aspects about cars as tell in detail
what the project consisted of. At the end of the project the teacher made a
slide show for the parents to see the development of the project. I thought
this was an awesome approach because it got the kids involved in a topic that
they were interested in and they were able to examine numerous aspects of it
and form several questions.
This is a more innovative approach because it involves
children in their own learning. This is an approach to strategies that help
teachers guide student’s to feel highly motivated and involved. Project-based
learning approaches also allow the teacher to look at the whole child insuring each one
is healthy, safe, engaged, supported and challenged. Several preschools are adapting this more
unstructured model.
Questions:
Would you use this approach in your classroom?
How would you incorporate the children as the whole class or
several small groups?
How would this approach differ from a play-based approach?
Resources
http://www.projectapproach.org/project_approach.php- Provides a link for trainers available to provide professional development on project-based learning.
