THE PROJECT APPROACH
Managed by the Educators Institute at Duke School
ENGAGING CHILDREN'S MINDS
Building on natural curiosity to engage, problem-solve, and connect
Authentic Discovery
Problem-Solving
Extending beyond the classroom to each student's community
Shaping the next generation of problem-solvers
Natural Curiosity
Building on natural curiosity to enable interaction and connection
The Project Approach
Children have a strong disposition to explore and discover. The Project Approach builds on natural curiosity, enabling children to interact, question, connect, problem-solve, communicate, reflect, and more. This kind of authentic learning extends beyond the classroom to each student’s home, community, nation, and world. It essentially makes learning the stuff of real life and children active participants in and shapers of their worlds.
The Project Approach Study Guide
The study guide offers educators an overview of the Project Approach and guides them through the process of developing and implementing a project in the classroom. Readings provide both practical knowledge and a theoretical framework, while assignments offer a flexible, step-by-step approach that allows teachers to learn in the process of trying out their first (or second or third) project in the classroom.
The Guide is an adaptation of the online course as taught by Project Approach founder, Sylvia Chard. It is still a little like a course but designed for a teacher to study for him or herself.
Journal prompts with each of the seven sections offer opportunities for teachers to reflect on and refine their strategies, ideas, and practices. Establishing a regular journal writing routine is a fundamental part of project-based teaching as this is a process that evolves with reflection and experience.