Mitchell, Sascha, Teresa Foulger, Keith Wetzel, and Chris Rathkey. "The Negotiated Project Approach: Project-Based Learning without Leaving the Standards Behind." Early Childhood Education (2009): 339-46. EbscoHost. Web. 5 Nov. 2008.
This article examines how a first grade teacher implemented project based learning strategy, while simultaneously staying aligned to state benchmarks and standards. The article outlines the strategies the teacher used in both getting students invested in the projects and her own planning to align said projects to state standards. Project Based Learning in her classroom changed the environment from a teacher directed and centered room to an atmosphere where the teacher and students worked together to create a worthwhile output. The teacher was able to integrate project based learning and standards because although the projects were student centered the teacher created options and pathways that aligned to desired learning outcomes.
This article was interesting because it showed me that projected based learning and teaching to standards don’t have to be mutually exclusive practices. Often times as an educator I am torn between creating meaningful, student lead activities and trying to reach desired benchamarks. Often times when student run actiivites and lead their own learnigns they create wonderful products, but they aren’t necessarily aligned to standards. This article indicates that with the proper planning phases and guidelines students can lead their own education through the creation or projects, while simaultaneously covering benchamarks. This article has inspired me to try more projected based learning strategeis within my classroom because they can add to my progress through state benchmarks rather than delay my journey.
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