The Power of Project-Based Learning

         Project-based learning is founded on the belief that students develop a deeper knowledge through real-world experience and problem-solving.  This type of learning allows students to choose the direction of their learning through discovery, while ensuring it has significant academic relevance.  In Sarah Carter’s blog post, titled “Project-Based Learning Using Disney Movies,” she explains her innovate technique for analyzing popular Disney movies in AP World History class.  Her goal was for her students to use their historical knowledge to pick out inaccuracies within each film.  She created an assignment in which the students had to summarize the story, determine the origin of the film, determine the setting, identify any misinterpretations, determine what was happening in the world at that specific point in history, find the historical inaccuracies, and select two primary sources from people who were present during the time and location of the movie’s setting (Carter, 2016).  Despite being nervous about the results of the project, she said the presentations were elaborate and analytical.  The students gave her feedback saying the project was unlike any of their previous assignments, and they were refreshed by the freedom allotted to them (Carter, 2016). 

         Real-world experience is also important when planning project-based learning activities. Brenna Lamprey and Beth Reilly’s blog titled “Project Au-Some: Building Empathy and Collaboration,” goes in-depth about a fifth-grade class partnering with a preschool special education class.  What started out as a classroom read-aloud, quickly developed into a major program where Big buddies paired with Little buddies who volunteered to help the younger students participate in recess, P.E., and Special Olympics (Lamprey & Reilly, 2016).  The students were able to grasp a better understanding of severe gross-motor delays, helping them learn how to better assist their specific Little buddy.  The teacher, Mrs. Reilly, was able to help students create a lesson objective by giving them a list of developmental skills (Lamprey & Reilly, 2016).   The students then worked together to generate lesson materials and procedures, which allowed the students to become more conscious of the array of disabilities.  As a result, the students scored higher on their empathy tests and were able to change their attitudes and biases, positively affecting their interactions with others (Lamprey & Reilly, 2016).   

         After reading these inspiring articles, I truly see the benefit of incorporating project-based learning in a classroom setting.  I could see myself using students love for movies and media as a platform for key projects.  It is the perfect way to engage students and spark their fascination about a topic. As an aspiring teacher, I also want to implement the Big and Little buddies program I discussed above.  While it’s important to teach students academic subjects through traditional platforms, I think it’s equally important to develop well-rounded students.  By encouraging students to go outside their comfort zone and interact with those less fortunate or less able-bodied, they will develop a sense of compassion and empathy that can’t be learned from a book. 

         While these ideas seem ideal for learning, the reality of carrying them out might be difficult to execute.  You might face criticism from parents and the community, depending on the content and project you decide to undertake.  Funding for such programs may also be a big barrier to success in public schools.  After reading about successful project-based learning techniques, I wonder why teachers try so hard to create a structured environment when there are such clear benefits to letting students guide their own learning.

References

Carter, S. (2016). Project-Based Learning Using Disney Movies. Retrieved from https://www.edutopia.org/discussion/project-based-learning-using-disney-movies

Lamprey, B., & Reilly, B. (2016). Project Au-Some: Building Empathy and Collaboration. Retrieved from https://www.edutopia.org/blog/project-au-some-building-empathy-collaboration-brenna-lamprey-beth-reilly