Project Approach

Project Approach Study Guide
This study guide offers educators an overview of the Project Approach and guides them through the process of developing and implementing a project in the classroom. Readings provide both practical knowledge and a theoretical framework, while assignments offer a flexible, step-by-step approach that allows teachers to learn in the process of trying out their first (orsecond or third) project in the classroom.
The Guide is an adaptation of the online course I used to teach from this web site. It is still a little like a course but designed for a teacher to study for him or herself. Journal prompts with each of the seven sections offer opportunities for teachers to reflect on and refine their strategies, ideas, and practices. Establishing a regular journalwriting routine is a fundamental part of project-based teaching as this is a process that evolves ith reflection and experience.

The seven sections involve multiple readings and assignments. I recommend that Teachers read through the entire guide before embarking on the first lesson. Many readings are housed on the Internet and accessible by link. If you print out this document, be sure tokeep an electronic version so that you can read the content under each link.

Enjoy the journey, and please get in touch with questions or comments along the way!
Sylvia Chard
sylvia.chard@ualberta.ca

Essential and useful Texts
Katz, L.G. and Chard, S.C. (2000) Engaging Children’s Minds: The Project Approach, Second Edition. Stamford, CT: Ablex. [link to:http://www.projectapproach.org/store/]

Please choose option A or B below. Option A represents an updated, Web-based series of practical guides about the Project Approach published in 2009, and option B represents two 1998 print publications. Either option will work for the study guide, or both are available for purchase in the Project Approach Online Store [link to:
http://www.projectapproach.org/store/].

Please read thedescriptions in the online store to decide which option better suits your needs, as one is Web-based (and includes links to supplemental resources), and the other is print.
OPTION A
Chard, S.C. (2009) Practical Guides for Engaging Minds with the Project
Approach, 1 - 6 [link to: http://www.projectapproach.org/store/]
Titles of the 6 Practical Guides:
1. Projects and the Curriculum: Seeing thePossibilities
2. Features of the Project Approach: A Framework for Learning
3. Making a Start on Context: Planning in Context
4. Phase 1. Launching a Project: Students’ Initial Understandings
5. Phase 2. Developing a Project: Building the Knowledge
6. Phase 3. Concluding a Project: Presenting the Work

OPTION B
Chard, S.C. (1998) The Project Approach: Making Curriculum Come Alive(Book One).
NY: Scholastic. [link to: http://www.projectapproach.org/store/]

Chard, S.C. (1998) The Project Approach: Managing Successful Projects (Book Two).
NY: Scholastic. [link to: http://www.projectapproach.org/store/]

Many sections of this study guide include supplemental readings (listed at the bottom) available on-line or in most university libraries.

Section 1: Project ApproachIntroduction

Objectives: This section introduces you to the theoretical framework and learning benefits of the Project Approach. Journal prompts guide you to reflect on your own teaching methods and to consider possible advantages of implementing the Project Approach in your classroom.

1. Begin by reading the information under the Project Approach section of the Web site
[link to:http://www.projectapproach.org/project-approach-m3]. Also read the following: Introduction and definition, L.G. Katz (1994), The Project Approach. ERIC Digest.
[Link tohttp://ceep.crc.uiuc.edu/eecearchive/digests/1994/lk- pro94.html]
Theoretical background and rationale: Chapter 2 of Engaging Children’s Minds:
The Project Approach, Second Edition and all information under the Theory [link to:...