2. Project-Based Learning.
David Hargreaves (2006a): Project Characteristics.
Drivers of Engagement. Drivers of Deep Learning.
1. The project task is big and authentic – 1. The task is co-constructed by teacher
a real-world problem to be solved. and student.
2. The task has clear, worthwhile 2. The task deepens students’ grasp of
outcomes. two or more subjects/disciplines.
3. Completion depends on teamwork. 3. The task challenges and develops
4. The task takes some time to complete. multiple intelligences.
5. The task involves some time out of 4. The task involves making
school. consequential decisions.
6. Successful product(ion) is celebrated 5. Completion depends on adult help and
before and evaluated by an advice.
appropriate audience. 6. Completion demands high levels of
feedback.
3. How can Project-Based Learning
develop Independent Learning in
group work?
1. How students are grouped for the
projects.
2. The structure and organisation of the
project.
3. Individual and group accountability.
5. The Victoria Sponge Technique.
Top Grade/ Hard
working Students..
Mixed Ability Students.
Less Motivated
Students.
6. Structure and Organisation.
Clear deadlines that are shared with the students.
A project handbook.
Access to resources that enable the students to
complete the task.
Clear roles and tasks for the students to complete.
For the project to have a clear and meaningful
purpose for the students.
Involve an out of classroom learning experience if
7. Individual and Group
Accountability.
For the Yr12 Sociology Project students had
to.......
As a group: As individuals:
Produce a research A reflective journal
proposal. of the student’s
thoughts and
Create a formal impressions
presentation about throughout the
the project and its research project.
findings. The
presentation could Write a answer to A2
have been a level essay question.
powerpoint, glogster,
8. Student Feedback.
“I liked working in teams to produce good quality pieces
of work and presentations. It was also a fun thing to do
to take a break from sitting in front of computers, doing
portfolio work. It was quite refreshing to take a break
from our previous working environment.” (Year 10
Student 1)
“I feel ready for next year as it has prepared me to be
more independent.” ( Year 12 Student 4)
“Yes, we should do more project-based learning at A-
Level because it has helped us to develop more
independence with our learning and a range of skills.”
9. “If I wanted to do drama, I would have taken drama!”
(Year 10 Student 4)
“Hate drama activities or performing in front of the
class. Felt forced into it without a WHOLE class
opinion.” (Year 10 Student 5)
“I didn’t like my group.” (Year 10 Student 6)
Editor's Notes
Q &A: What do you think of when you think of project-based learning?Similar to what David Hargreaves states in a number of papers he has written for the SSAT about personalised learning.David Hargreaves states....‘Projects have, sometimes justifiably, had a poor reputation in the past.’ (Hargreaves, 2006a:12). For project-based learning to be successful it needs to be constructed in the right manner. He provides a 12 point criteria for project learning so that they are constructed in the right manner.I used this criteria to construct my projects and I found that the more I followed it the more successful I felt the projects were.Yr10 Health and Social Care.Create a film or a podcast in the style of a public announcement film.Yr12 Sociology.Sociological research project.
Group Work: Discuss with the person next to you, your thoughts and ideas about how you could incorporate project-based learning within in your subject to develop independent learning through group work.Feedback.
