In The News
Check in here to keep up to date on our latest press appearances.
Albanese, Erin. (2021). "Science through toys, squirrels and boats". School News Now.
In her own classroom, Geer has seen a big boost in vocabulary test scores, and sees it cross into all subjects. Students write about squirrels in English Language Arts, and include information from what they learn in science. “This has led to my students asking questions in all subject areas, asking questions of their peers, and knowing you need evidence to answer a question in science, math, and reading,” she said.
Anna Rosefsky Saavedra, A.R., Rapaport, A., Morgan, K.L., Garland, M.W., Liu, Y., Hu, A., Hoepfner, D., and Haderlein, S.K. (2021). Project-based learning in AP classrooms: Lessons from research. Phi Delta Kappan.
KIA students outperformed non-KIA students overall, and KIA students from low-income households outperformed non-KIA students from similar households. In short, our results suggest that a PBL approach to teaching AP Environmental Science and AP U.S. Government can better prepare students of all backgrounds for their exams.
Hunt Scott, K. (2021). What Is Project-Based Learning? U.S. News & World Report.
Four studies released in February by Lucas Education Research, along with researchers from five major universities, showed that students in project-based learning classrooms across the United States significantly outperformed students in typical classrooms.
Piper, K. (2021). Getting Parents Excited About Project-Based Learning. Edutopia.
Teachers can use these handy talking points to move parents from being skeptical about PBL to “why didn’t I get to do this in school?”
Schneider Kavanagh, S. and Herrmann, J. (2021). Use project-based learning to engage students this fall. District Administration
“Making the transition to PBL isn’t easy. But research shows it works and is a great way to provide students with what they need in these challenging times.”
Fitzgerald, M.S. (2021). Pairing Literacy Instruction With Project-Based Learning Is a Win for Students. International Literacy Association.
During a hands-on, project-based science lesson, a group of third graders in Michigan excitedly worked on creating their own garden to grow food for their community. Along the way, they learned about biology, ecology, weather and climate science, and engineering design. But the learning didn’t stop there.
De Vivo, K. (2021). Roundtable Highlights Ties Between Project-Based Learning and Competency-Based Education, Explores New Research. Aurora Institute.
As education leaders look for ways to accelerate learning this fall, following months of virtual and hybrid instruction, more schools should leverage competency-based and project-based learning.
Graeber, A. Reimagining AP teaching with PBL. ASCD Smart Brief.
“You can give students a mound of Supreme Court cases to read and regurgitate information from, or you can set up projects like moot court where students take on the roles of the judges and attorneys. Which do you think will be more memorable for students? Which will help that learning stick with them after they take the exam? My answer: the project.”
Penuel, W. (2021). Effective Science Learning Means Observing and Explaining. There’s a Curriculum for That. Education Week.
Researchers say grappling with problems beats out traditional approaches
Shusterman, J. (2021). Project-based learning is how we teach critical thinking. Seattle Times.
In order to create a generation of critical thinkers, we need to make the use of project-based learning (PBL) in classrooms widespread. Critical thinking (or training minds to think) is one of the most important skills for students to develop. It is correlated with academic success, is invaluable in the ever-changing workplace, and increases empathy – which makes for more meaningful social interactions.
De Vivo, K. (2021). Project-based learning: An evidence-based way to improve social studies. ASCD Inservice.
A national panel calls for an overhauled approach to teaching history and civics.
Saavedra, A.R., and Rapaport, A. (2021). Analysis: Project-Based Learning or Lectures? Our Research Shows PBL Helps Low-Income Students Do Better in AP Classes, Earn College Credit. The 74 Million.
Can a student-centered approach featuring group work, simulations and oral presentations provide preparation for AP exams as good or even better than lectures? If so, can students from lower-income households, who may not have had the same level of preparation for the coursework as their wealthier peers, benefit?
Mathews, J. (2021). Project-based learning confronts students with uncertainty. Finally. The Washington Post.
Project-based learning, at least in some schools, is much better now. The best lessons have students work on projects that are tied to a real-world scenario and also teach core academic content.
Ciampaglia, D.A. (2021). Making the Case for Project-Based Learning. The Elective.
The release of four studies shows the wide-ranging benefits of students becoming active participants in their education.
Miller, E.A., Codere, S., and Krajcik, J. (2021). Making Project-Based Learning Inclusive in a Hybrid Setting. Edutopia.
It’s not easy to help students feel connected when everyone isn’t in the same room, but these science teachers found a way to make it work.
Krajcik, J.S., and Schneider, B. (2021). Project-based learning deepens science knowledge for 3rd graders in Michigan. The Research Brief.
Project-based learning- a teaching approach whereby students explore and solve real-world challenges – can improve third graders’ scientific knowledge as well as their social and emotional skills.
For the Media
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