Stager-to-Go

Thursday, October 23, 2008

What Makes a Good Project?

Here is my latest article to be published in a forthcoming edition of The Creative Educator magazine.

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2 Comments:

  • Gary, I really liked the article and had two thoughts---

    1. Every time I read an article about project based learning it makes me sad. Many regular classrooms across the country have strayed so far from that to scripted reading and math programs. Yuk for kids.

    2. Even though I don't know if we meet all of your criteria for a perfect project, I thought you might like to hear about some of our projects-- we teach in a special ed pullout program for gifted kids K-6.

    Titanic in the Classroom 200--we used the original passenger/crew database to answer some essential questions about the Titanic's sinking
    http://connections.smsd.org/titanic

    CSI: Cemetery Scene Investigation 2007 We researched burial customs,and used local cemeteries to learn about our county's history http://connections.smsd.org/csi

    And last but not least... Guardians of Freedom 2001 After studying WWII for 6 months, literally one full day a week, 5th and 6th graders interviewed 54 WWII vets. We put their stories online, published a book, held a reception for over 400 people--veterans, families, students, parents, administrators, teachers. I said seven years ago and I beleieve it today---those kids finished the project as historians. I still see those kids and they always say "remember when the veterans came?" I get emails every month from strangers wanting to contact one of "our vets" because they served with them or are sure they knew their dad, grand dad or uncle. It was a life changing experience for all of us who were involved and it will be the best work I'll ever do as a teacher. http://connections.smsd.org/veterans

    Enjoy looking around if you have time. N

    To see all of our major goings-on click here>>>>
    http://anotsodifferentplace.blogspot.com/2007/07/where-is-all-your-stuff.html

    By Anonymous nbosch, At October 23, 2008 5:06 PM  

  • Gary,
    I've often wondered how one could concisely explain project-based learning to a traditional teacher.

    Your great article may be the answer!

    Thanks,
    Kent

    By Anonymous Kent, At October 24, 2008 8:15 AM  

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