{"id":239409,"date":"2023-02-03T04:33:15","date_gmt":"2023-02-03T04:33:15","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/buoyantbloomer.com\/?p=239409"},"modified":"2023-02-06T18:11:40","modified_gmt":"2023-02-06T18:11:40","slug":"project-based-learning","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/buoyantbloomer.com\/project-based-learning\/","title":{"rendered":"Get started with project based learning in 5 easy steps"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Project based learning is one of the core tenets of a great education because of the interplay between a child’s head, heart, and hands. Memorizing facts has a place in education, but to understand something or innovate upon an existing idea, rote memorization isn’t going to cut it. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The other reason I love project based learning is that I fully believe we should never settle for off-the-rack education. Something that is completely outsourced and in someone else’s control is appealing, but we miss out on the opportunity to really get to know our children. Not to mention, they don’t get the chance to see us as their learning partner, and they have one less opportunity to become strong thinkers, learners, and doers. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

What is project based learning?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

In a nutshell, it’s a teaching method focused on active learning that involves real world projects the child personally wants to do and finds meaningful. If we believe the progression of Industrial Age –> Information Age –> Innovation Age, then it stands to reason that a good number of jobs our kids will hold when they are of working age have not yet been invented. Even if the percentage of uninvented jobs might not be 65% or more like some forecasters expect, we can assume that there will definitely be jobs that have not yet been dreamed into existence. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Project based learning comprises four basic foundations: <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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  1. Real world learning experiences, <\/li>\n\n\n\n
  2. Academic milestones (aka common core standards), <\/li>\n\n\n\n
  3. Public exhibitions to showcase work, and<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  4. Integrated subjects (e.g. math is incorporated into the project when considering the industrial revolution) <\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

    The easiest way to get exposure to project based learning is to enroll young children in an International Baccalaureate PYP program<\/a> which has a strong child centered learning ethos. In NYC, there’s also the Portfolio School<\/a> which has a super interesting co-op model that is rare to see in anything past the nursery school\/preschool stage. Barring that, you can also get started at home with these five steps below. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Step #1 Identify interests<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

    There are two ways to literally start with project based learning: you can ask, or you can observe.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Unless they’re profoundly gifted and can communicate well, 3 year olds probably won’t have a realistic answer for you if you ask this. You’re better off observing their play patterns and conversation. What is she asking about? What does he build with blocks? What do they play act? What shows or movies does he beg to watch? Which books does he ask for again and again? <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Our 4 year old recently asked me about the Titanic, so as a first pass, I:<\/p>\n\n\n\n