Edutopia
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This week, my review is about the article, “Art-Infused Project-Based Learning: Crafting Beautiful Work” from the blog Edutopia. I really enjoyed reading this article and watching the video (above) showcasing some students’ work from School 21. School 21 is a school in London where they teach approximately pre-K to 11th grade, but can teach through the 13th year. The school is very much focused on cross-curricular and project-based learning. They integrate the arts into subjects and projects, which are showcased at the school’s open house at the end of each term.
Many of the classes are co-taught by an arts teacher and a general teacher, although co-teaching can include different styles. Some teachers may co-teach the whole class while others may split the class into two groups to teach. Two teachers whom teach music and science have their students go twice to one subject (for example, science) and once to the other (music) one week, and then do the opposite the next (go twice to music and once to science). Along with this co-teaching style, students also have flexible sessions where they get to work on their projects and gather feedback from others. This is also a time when teachers can help students to dig deeper and explore a subject in more depth by asking questions and evaluating a student’s knowledge. Additionally this time can be used to help students who don’t completely understand a concept yet.
To make this project-based learning style successful, teachers put a lot of thought and work into planning the projects. They revise their plans several times after receiving feedback from other teachers and staff. At the start of each lesson project, they present what the final product of each student’s project should be and set deadlines throughout the semester. This helps students stay on track and work on the projects over the course of the semester. During the time spent on projects, students receive critique and feedback often so they are constantly improving their projects and learning more about the topic. Although the teachers at School 21 have to teach many other lessons and concepts, their system works for them.
Many of the classes are co-taught by an arts teacher and a general teacher, although co-teaching can include different styles. Some teachers may co-teach the whole class while others may split the class into two groups to teach. Two teachers whom teach music and science have their students go twice to one subject (for example, science) and once to the other (music) one week, and then do the opposite the next (go twice to music and once to science). Along with this co-teaching style, students also have flexible sessions where they get to work on their projects and gather feedback from others. This is also a time when teachers can help students to dig deeper and explore a subject in more depth by asking questions and evaluating a student’s knowledge. Additionally this time can be used to help students who don’t completely understand a concept yet.
To make this project-based learning style successful, teachers put a lot of thought and work into planning the projects. They revise their plans several times after receiving feedback from other teachers and staff. At the start of each lesson project, they present what the final product of each student’s project should be and set deadlines throughout the semester. This helps students stay on track and work on the projects over the course of the semester. During the time spent on projects, students receive critique and feedback often so they are constantly improving their projects and learning more about the topic. Although the teachers at School 21 have to teach many other lessons and concepts, their system works for them.
"By spending more time on a gateway topic, we've gained a greater understanding that can be used for the other topics that we can cover in less depth," says Hyman.
Overall, I thought this article was a great read and showed many possibilities and examples of project-based learning. I think this teaching style can be very beneficial for students because they are developing a deeper understanding of what is being taught and can relate it to other subjects. Also, by constantly getting feedback, students can continually improve their projects and push themselves to do their absolute best. Additionally, it allows students to work on teamwork and communication skills by working with others. I think it’s also really neat that they showcase the students’ work in an open house at the end of the semester. This is a great way that the students can show off their hard work and share something they are proud of and know they put a lot of time and effort into. I think this teaching style is a great way to not only get students engaged in their learning, but to also take ownership of it.
"When we were doing immersive theatre," recalls Matilda, a Year 9 student, "it gave me a chance to put myself in the shoes of the people at the time and to experience history through their eyes. The history livens up the drama, and the drama livens up the history."