About Project-Based Learning
A project-based learning method is a comprehensive approach to instruction. Students participate in projects and practice an interdisciplinary array of skills from math, language arts, fine arts, geography, science, and technology. The collaborative nature of the investigation enhances student's experiences as well as promotes a greater appreciation for social responsibility. Project-based learning (PBL) is a model for classroom activity that shifts away from the classroom practices of short, isolated, teacher-centered lessons and instead emphasizes learning activities that are long-term, interdisciplinary, student-centered, and integrated with real world issues and practices. One immediate benefit of practicing PBL is the unique way that it can motivate students by engaging them in their own learning. PBL provides opportunities for students to pursue their own interests, questions and make decisions about how they will find the answers to solve problems. PBL also provides opportunities for interdisciplinary learning. Students apply and integrate the content of different subject areas at authentic moments in the production process, instead of in isolation or in an artificial setting. PBL helps make learning relevant and useful to students by establishing connections to life outside the classroom, addressing real world concerns, and developing real world skills. Many of the skills learned through PBL are those desired by today's employer, including the ability to work well with others, make thoughtful decisions, take initiative, and solve complex problems. Additional Web sites about Project-based learning (including our own Mr. Starr's page):
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