Why are Integrated Projects Important?



Yes, I know we've all heard about the importance of projects but really, why can't some other approach be used? The reality is, a variety of approaches should be used in any given class and certainly, class sequence.  Each approach should be directly supporting specific outcomes; however, projects can actually develop additional skills and knowledge that you may not, even as a teacher, plan for. That is because, the relevancy of the project should have a real-life application that, then, teaches the students its use and affect.  This can be different for each student. 

I was always amazed, as a university professor, how students would work through a project and use different sources and tools and still meet the requirements of the project, yet find a different application for their new knowledge. I could plan, as the professor, the basic structure and outcome of the project, but I could not dictate the application or relevancy for each student. The result was they learned the material much better than if I had tried to prescribe that learning for them - truly, I learned from them as well, and from their perspectives and choices throughout their learning process.


Image of Integrated Project Based Learning




In a 2009 THE Journal article, I wrote:

 

 

Learning How to Manage Content

Students who can learn how to look for helpful information and organize that information into meaningful content are developing knowledge management skills that are vital to future success.

 

 

  • Knowing what to look for: Random and irrelevant Internet searches are not sufficient in this context. Internet searches that are based on specific (teacher-provided) criteria are important. Students who understand that knowing what to look for is more than half the challenge will also become more efficient in their management skills.
Knowing what to look for


  • Capturing relevant data: Having retrieved the data that are important and relevant, the information must be captured in some      meaningful manner-textual references, screen captures, or media objects. Of course, all of the resources should then be referenced correctly for continued use.
Capturing relevant data


  • Organizing data effectively: Additionally, the outcome of the project dictates how the information should be organized so that it is easily accessible to readers and/or viewers, adequately referenced for clarity, and presented in a relevant framework for recognition.
Organizing Data


  • Reproducing data in a relevant context: The final presentation for review and grading should always provide a relevant context or project plan, project participants, and project outcomes-all of which should be clearly integrated into the final presentation or production.
Reproducing data in a relevant context




In summary, projects are important to provide contexts within a wider scope of learning can take place for students and teachers. As a result, the application of the knowledge then becomes authentic and useful for the student.


TIP: In your instruction, be involved with your students in their learning process, so that you, yourself, will learn as well

Coming up, "How can projects prepare for standardized tests?" Stay tuned...