What Is the Project Method of Teaching?

By Staff Writer | Last Updated August 4, 2015

According to StateUniversity.com, the project method of teaching is an educational enterprise in which children solve a particular problem over a period of days or weeks. It offers teachers a way to develop in-depth thinking in young children while engaging their hearts and minds.

Project method teaching involves three phases. In phase one, the teacher builds an interest in the topic by encouraging students to share personal relevant stories that act as guidelines to help formulate questions to investigate. In phase two, the teacher enables students to go on field trips; interview experts such as waiters, farmers or nurses, depending on the topic of study; and share the new knowledge with their classmates. In phase three, the teacher guides the study to its conclusions and helps the children review their achievements.

There are basic approaches for implementing the project method that require the students to take two steps. Initially, they are taught in a systematic course to study certain skills and facts that they apply creatively to suitable projects without supervision. The second approach stipulates that instruction by the teacher does not precede the project but is integrated into it. In both approaches, time for reflection is provided during all phases of project learning to give students the opportunity to evaluate their progress.