Project-Based Learning: A Success!

I've blogged about project-based learning previously, but this article stood out to me because gives specific examples to prove that PBL does, in fact, increase student learning. In Manor, Texas, Manor New Technology High School began a project-based learning program five years ago. At this high school, all students are taught every subject through project-based learning. At this school, "98 percent of seniors graduate and 100 percent of the graduates are accepted to college. Fifty-six percent of them have been the first in their family to attend college" (Nobori, 2012). Edutopia decided to find out exactly what makes this school run so smoothly by following around a sophomore student for a few weeks. It was found that the main reason for the students' success "is a schoolwide, unwavering commitment to the design and implementation of a PBL model that includes evidence-based strategies and drives students to actively pursue knowledge. From the moment a project is introduced, students are responsible for figuring out what they need to know and for doing the legwork to find the information, analyze it, and present it. Teachers are there every step of the way to guide students through the process and to provide workshops to help clarify any concepts" (Nobori, 2012). This process lets students guide their own learning so they are driving their own instruction. Students are more apt to retain information if they are actively using it, which is exactly what the PBL model promotes. Project-based learning is a great way to teach students to ensure they are getting the most out of their education. It may not be feasible for all districts and schools to teach this way in every single classroom, but this article is definitely something to keep in mind!