At AmeriSchools Academy, we want all our students to enjoy a comprehensive learning experience. This includes building and developing skills across multiple disciplines that transcends traditional classroom learning. This is why we believe in Project Based Learning (PBL).

So what is this innovative teaching method and how does it differ from traditional teaching techniques?

Project Based Learning Defined

As a young student, did you ever participate in a school science fair? You picked a topic, did research, created a display, and then presented your work to the class. This type of assignment is common and can provide students with a good learning opportunity. Unfortunately, they often are limited in scope and bereft of real-world knowledge and experience. But this is not the case with Project Based Learning.

According the Buck Institute for Education, PBL is “a teaching method in which students gain knowledge and skills by working for an extended period of time to investigate and respond to an authentic, engaging and complex question, problem, or challenge.”

For example, students may be challenged with how to reduce the amount of trash generated daily in the student cafeteria by 50-percent in 90 days?”

Students will then have to investigate their school’s current recycling program and its effectiveness, while comparing it to other school’s programs and/or with the city’s current program.

The PBL Difference

 Project Based Learning can be successful across all grade levels and adapted for any subject. Students respond favorably to this type of hands-on learning because of its flexibility and being able to work he excitement of working on a project that is exciting and is meaningful.

Studies have shown that PBL has numerous benefits. According to a report by ASCD, British secondary schools showed “students in the project-based-learning school significantly outperformed the traditional-school students in mathematics skills as well as conceptual and applied knowledge.” This same study also revealed that the school using PBL had three times as many students pass the national exam versus the traditional learning school.

At AmeriSchools Academy, our teachers and staff want students to enjoy the learning process as they develop skills and knowledge that will benefit them throughout their lives. Contact us today to learn more about how your child can thrive in a dynamic environment that encourages meaningful experiences.