In August 2016, faculty members of Norton City School's completed one day of in-service training in order to implement Project Based Learning, system wide. Superintendent, Dr. Keith Perrigan, defines Project Based Learning as "... learning by doing, in attempt to solve a problem, either alone or in a group, in a way that is relevant and natural, using creativity and critical thinking skills." For many, this type of learning is seen as the first step leading away from multiple choice testing. It places an emphasis on training students for the soft skills they will need in the work-force or in college, skills like cooperation and leadership. It also focuses on going deeper into subjects, as opposed to moving quickly through a long list of content. According to Perrigan, many teachers were already using a Project Based Learning approach in their classrooms. He pointed out that by providing this in-service Norton City Schools was " . . . empowering all teachers to use it."
Perrigan expressed his expectations for Project Based Learning stating that it would provide the opportunity for students to be more involved in class and would better prepare students for real life situations. According to Perrigan, "Adults usually don't take multiple choice tests as part of their daily activities. What we constantly do is solve problems, collaborate, and work on projects. Moving to this instructional model will make learning relevant for our students."
English teacher, Ms. Megan Cline, pointed out that Project Based Learning could be a wonderful, artistic outlet for students who struggle to learn by sitting and listening to lectures in a traditional classroom. She also emphasized that this method adds creativity for a more enjoyable learning experience. Ms. Cline has completed multiple projects with her students in the past, including projects based on novels and a project entitled Footprints of My Life. Physical Education teacher, Coach Brandon Stidham, on the other hand, stated the he had not done many projects with previous classes. However, he now intends to incorporate this method into his lesson plans. Coach Stidham continued on to point out how this would reshape the classroom stating: "In multiple ways, you (the students) are being held accountable for your learning, we (the teachers) are not just responsible for it; you (the students) are. I think it will help in other factors like collaborating with classmates, being able to work with a group, which is relevant to workplaces now, where there is a lot of collaboration."
While administrators and teachers seem to be in agreement about the positive prospects of Project Based Learning, student opinion seems to vary. Some students expect this technique to be a successful way of learning, while others disagre. Senior, Isaac S., said, "Yes, we are focused too much on standardized testing; the world is not multiple choice." Another student, Jonah S., expressed a strong dislike for projects in the classroom, pointing out that he, instead, preferred multiple choice tests and standardized tests.
While students disagree over this new focus, administrators and instructors remain convinced that it will improve student growth in the classroom and will help to better meet the needs of a multitude of learners. Perhaps it is best said by junior, Eric F.: "Not everyone can understand and learn from being lectured. Some people, they just have to be shown how to do it or they have to have some kind of hands on (experience) so they can understand it."
Written by: Megan D., Paloma B., Haley H., and Alex C.