Not a free for all -Proper projects in the classroom-

One of the roles I have this school year is to succeed in selling (can't think of a better word for it) our districts, commonly misunderstood, project-based learning program. Here are just a few key resources I use to articulate 'CTF' to students, parents, staff AND myself.

Inappropriate assignments turn into 'projects' just by students being assigned weeks/months for completion and proper project-based learning (no specific method) is branded a free for all (my most recent criticism).
A student whose project is substantial, share-able, and personally meaningful is the ticket.

A very incomplete list:

Ten Things I've Learned Learned Going Project-Based :the best, most simple articulation of projects in the classroom by the insightful teacher, Jon Spencer

Amy Meyer nails it by separating out 'doing projects'


A comprehensive framework connecting projects to learning locally and Community AS Classroom by Learning for a Sustainable Future.

Projects as true engineering in the classroom! Gary Stager and Sylvia Libow Martinez have produced the new 'bible on making' aptly titled Invent to Learn

When it comes to assessment of projects, this podcast on the Whole Child Education tackles: Assessment 101

As for the "what happens to learning the fundamentals" argument is best summed up in Doug Haller's quote:

“If you want to become (insert profession), you need to understand (insert content).” he explains “Alternatively, we mustn't instruct in such a manner that fosters the perception that everything exciting and important in a discipline has been accomplished”.

Debunking Five Myths About Project-Based Learning
http://www.edutopia.org/blog/debunking-five-pbl-myths-john-larmer

The best brief video out there on the old PLN:


Edutopia’s project based learning page
http://www.edutopia.org/project-based-learning

Principles Assessing Problem, Project and Inquiry
http://www.aishe.org/readings/2005-2/chapter9.pdf

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