This book takes a look at the affordances of engaging second/foreign language students in educational projects that bridge the gap between the classroom and the museum. Studies on language learning and teaching beyond the classroom have shown that students learn in different settings and through different types of activities and that their…

Preparing students for a world that did not exist when they were students themselves can be challenging for many teachers. Engaging students, particularly disinterested ones, in the learning process is no easy task, especially when easy access to information is at an all-time high. How then do educators simultaneously ensure knowledge acquisition…

A proven and popular teaching method, the Project Approach engages the natural curiosity of children through in-depth investigations of topics that capture their interest. Now there's a guidebook that helps you use this child-centered approach to reach and teach all learners in your early childhood classroom--regardless of background or ability.…

In this practical guide, literacy experts show teachers how to use project-based inquiry to build students' discipline-specific skills and knowledge in grades 6-12. The authors present a five-phase framework that incorporates their professional development experience working with over 3,000 teachers. By making the intuitive practices of the…

Just because a classroom is noisy or the teacher isn't always lecturing doesn't mean the kids aren't learning. Quite the opposite. The idea is to push students to think differently, to apply what they know, and to create new ideas, instead of just receiving information. That's difficult to see, but easy to elicit with a few key questions. This…

This guide is a revised and updated edition of "Making It Count." This version contains much of the information from the earlier publication but also includes strategies for using project-based learning and Web-based instructional programs to support the development of mathematics proficiency for youth in short-term juvenile correctional…

Results of a survey of teachers in 60 English primary schools indicated that positive strategies to use with gifted students working on projects include setting open-ended tasks, encouraging use of imagination, praising lateral thinking, requiring the construction of hypotheses, and encouraging distinctive approaches to tasks. (DB)

An alternative to the traditional high-school book report is suggested. During the process of reading selected novels, students summarize each chapter's plot, make comments, and ask questions. Upon completion of the novels, students discuss a literary device used by the author and create a cover for their report booklets. (JDD)

Many teachers who begin to implement the Project Approach are already familiar with a learning center or theme approach to teaching, but there are some important differences of which to be aware. Noting that projects are especially valuable for children in undertaking in-depth study of real-world topics, this paper presents the reflections of…

"Reinventing Project-Based Learning" offers educators an accessible guide for maximizing the benefits of project-based learning in today's technology-rich learning environment. This reader-friendly book speaks directly to educators, administrators, and professional development specialists who want to transform learning into a more active,…

Much can be gained by providing preschool children opportunities to work on projects. Projects invite children's participation at various developmental levels; strengthen their capacity and disposition for involvement in work requiring sustained effort; and are ideal for mixed age, ability, or linguistic groups. Teachers have a central role to…

This manual, prepared by the Michigan Office of Services to the Aging, is intended to aid agencies concerned with aging in planning volunteer programs. This second of three volumes helps the volunteer coordinator design and implement a successful training program for the volunteer network. The training process described here begins with the…

This booklet provides an introduction to project-based instruction, explaining the research-based rationale for using the approach and outlining how the approach can increase students' engagement and knowledge retention. It offers guidelines for planning and implementing projects and includes a checklist of important things to keep in mind when…

An approach to teaching introductory psychology is presented, stressing depth over coverage and giving power and authority to students rather than to the teacher and the textbook. The typical introductory class is dedicated to the notion of coverage, and textbooks and tests are material artifacts supporting the ideal of coverage. Also in most…

This third of three booklets was prepared by the Michigan Office of Services to the Aging to help agencies concerned with aging to plan volunteer programs. This volume is a compendium of resources, including materials from seven different volunteer programs. It contains a wide variety of training tips and techniques to help the person(s) in charge…