Five Structural Features of the Project Approach

Discussion,  Fieldwork,  Representation,  Investigation, and  Display 

Why are these features of project work described as 'structural features'?

"On the one hand, structure involves constraint as guidelines are established. Children do not simply do whatever they like. On the other hand, structure provides children with a framework that helps them understand what is expected of them. In this way structure can be liberating as well as constraining. For example, children can approach their work in unique and flexible ways while working within the general framework. This allows different perspectives to be recognized in the effort to reach a shared goal: the successful project." The Project Approach, Bk 2, Scholastic.

Features Chart

  Phase 1
Beginning
Phase 2
Developing
Phase 3
Concluding
Discussion -Sharing prior experience and current knowledge of the topic. -Preparing for field work and interviews
-Reviewing field work
-Learning from secondary sources
-Preparing to share the story of the project.
Review and evaluation of the project.
Field Work -Children talking about their experience with their parents. -Going out of the classroom to investigate a field site
-Interviewing experts in the field or in the classroom.
-Evaluating the project through the eyes of an outside group
Representation -Drawing, writing, construction, dramatic play, etc. to share prior experience and knowledge. -Brief field sketches and notes.
-Drawings, painting, writing, math diagrams, maps, etc. to represent new learning.
-Condensing and summarizing the story of the study to share the project with others.
Investigation -Raising questions on the basis of current knowledge. -Investigating initial questions.
-Field work and library research.
Raising further questions.
-Speculating about new questions.
Display -Sharing representations of personal experiences of the topic. Sharing representations of new experience and knowledge.
-Ongoing record of the project work.
Summary of the learning throughout the project.

 



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Phase 1
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