resources

Educational research supports the use of progressive principles and project and problem-based learning in the classroom. There are many resources for this type of educational philosophy available, and we have listed a few links here that can start you on your path to learning more about how different educational environments utilize and extend learning for children.

Research

Take a Deeper Look at Assessment for Understanding
This article looks at the value of performance assessments versus standardized testing.

Powerful Learning:Studies Show Deep Understanding Derives from Collaborative Methods
Linda Darling-Hammond, a professor at Stanford University, shares important research on the value of collaborative learning for social, emotional and academic development.

Why Teach with Project Learning?: Providing Students With a Well-Rounded Classroom Experience
A good overview of project-based learning.

A video that describes the value of project-based learning. Includes thinking from Seymour Papert, a distinguished professor at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.

PBL Research Summary: Studies Validate Project-Based Learning
Research shows the efficacy of an authentic form of education that expects students to immerse themselves in a topic and meaningfully demonstrate acquisition of skills and knowledge.

The Collaborative Classroom: An Interview with Linda Darling-Hammond
An interview with Linda Darling-Hammond about the importance of social and emotional learning for teaching the whole child.

The Watershed School
The Watershed School is interesting as an example of place-based learning that goes through high school. Students at Watershed work in highly autonomous ways, dig deeply into subjects and use the area resources to connect learning to real life. Be sure to check out how well Watershed students fared on the Collegiate Learning Assessment.