The Project Approach incorporates all learning styles and subject areas.
The Project Approach integrates curriculum across different subjects and provides a wide range of opportunities for students with different interests and learning styles. This approach is designed to involve and engage the children in learning from the beginning, through emergent curriculum, based on the interests, abilities and learning styles of the children. Choosing projects and incorporating learning into all subject areas are just as important as each of the three phases of the Project Approach. The Project Approach is suitable for use with all ages from preschool through high school.
Choosing Projects
Not all topics and themes are suitable for projects. The chosen topic of study should build on things the children already know, offer opportunities for learning in all areas and encourage children to search for information at home and in the community. Appropriate topics are real world ideas and subjects directly in the children's own environment where hands-on investigation is possible. For example, a topic related to trees or parks would be appropriate, whereas a topic related to wild animals of South Africa would not be. The chosen topic should also be interesting to the majority of the students, be culturally relevant and provide opportunities for parent involvement.
Subject Areas
Incorporate the topic of study to all learning areas and represent it in a variety of media. For example, include math, science, reading, music, history and physical activities related to the topic. Set up areas and include time for topic-related role playing, construction, writing, art and multidimensional crafts. Create a topic web with the class to explore different aspects of a central topic and the different activities to incorporate through the various learning areas.
Phase 1: Starting the Project
Start the first phase of the Project Approach by engaging the children in a presentation, personal experience, story or videos related to the project topic. Create a chart or web mapping out ideas from the children. Include things they already know and their personal experiences with the topic. Older children can make their own topic webs. Be sure to include questions the children have about the topic, misunderstandings they have and creative ways to involve parents.
Phase 2: Investigation and Representation
Plan at least one field trip related to the topic of study. Have the children take notes, ask questions, make sketches and take photographs of the things that interest them the most. After the trip, have the kids follow up with secondary sources in books, online or by talking with experts. Each child then uses the information they gathered to create paintings, drawings, models, collages or dioramas based on what they learned.
Phase 3: Concluding the Project
The third phase concludes the project, reviewing and summarizing what the children have learned. Have the children present their information to the rest of the class individually or in small groups. The method of presentation is based largely on the topic of study. Some ideas for presentation include verbal or written reports, display presentations, role-playing and artwork presentations. Children should also be able to relate what new information they learned as well as what questions remained unanswered.
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