Project Based Learning and Rigor

Posted by Tammy Andrew Feb 19, 2009

I enjoy using projects in my computer classes. Project based learning is easy to include in a class where there is a prerequisite skill set. Projects can also be used for reviewing material. This type of review typically encourages higher order thinking.

Projects are more than a creative diversion from teacher-centered learning, they can be useful ways to assist students with summarizing new material. I find they are not always simple to create, but project based reviews can be a way to include rigor by giving students a new way to apply or think about the subject matter recently covered in class. Students then make new connections in their mind and this helps them remember the information, too.