Project-based learning is a teaching approach that motivates and inspires students to learn and helps them to become self-directed learners over time. Students learn not only the content surrounding their projects, but also important life skills such as problem-solving, creativity, collaboration, communication, time management, and responsibility. Author Scott Wurdinger has implemented this approach over the past ten years in his own classrooms, has conducted numerous research studies on this topic, and has seen the effectiveness of project-based learning firsthand.This book provides information on the history, research, and application of the project-based learning approach and should be read by educators who want to change their classrooms into dynamic exciting learning environments. Educators will learn everything they need to know about how to implement this approach in their classrooms, as well as how to help students create meaningful, relevant projects that can help impact and solve school, community, and even global problems. Read this book and bring project-based learning to your classroom!

Scott Wurdinger is a professor of experiential education and leadership studies at Minnesota State University in Mankato, and currently serves as the coordinator of the Educational Leadership Doctoral Program. His research interests focus on the use of various approaches to experiential learning and how they develop life skills such as critical thinking, problem solving, and creativity.

Table of ContentsPrefaceAcknowledgmentsIntroductionChapter One: Changing EducationUniversity BureaucracyPublic School BureaucracyCompetency Based EducationDeeper LearningChapter Two: Project-Based Learning and Skill DevelopmentHistorical Roots of Project-Based LearningWhy Use Project-Based learningExperiential Learning and Project-Based LearningCollateral LearningThings to Consider When Using Project-Based LearningPotential Problems with Project-Based LearningChapter Three: Skills That MatterWhat Are Life Skills?How Do Students Learn Life Skills?Connecting Life Skills to Project-Based LearningChapter Four: Using Your Place for Student ProjectsLocal ProjectsProjects Outside the Local CommunityChapter Five: Tracking and Assessing the Project ProcessTracking the Project ProcessProject Proposal FormProject Progress FormProject Completion FormStudent AssessmentsPersonal Reflection FormStudent PresentationsChapter Six: Schools Using Project-Based LearningColleges Using Project-Based LearningHigh Schools Using Project-Based LearningConclusionLeadershipClassroom CultureCreating ProjectsSkillsProofProjects and PlaceTracking and AssessingIncreasing NumbersReferences