6 Ways We Make Project-Based Learning Thrive

Authored by Ms Maggie

Project based learning can be an incredibly powerful learning tool to help students achieve deep learning. However, it can also fall flat without the right structure and support. Here are six key strategies YaizY uses to ensure our project-based learning approach leads to purposeful, student-centered success. 

1. Executive Function Support

Project-based learning can feel overwhelming for students with executive functioning challenges. To overcome this, YaizY teachers use chunking to break complex projects into manageable steps. YaizY lessons also incorporate checklists to help students navigate what comes next and self-reflect on whether all of the necessary steps have been completed.

2. Differentiation

YaizY teachers are trained to differentiate instruction based on both students' skill levels and individual interests. For some students, meeting the core requirements is the most appropriate approach. Others may be ready for an additional challenge; for these students, we offer project extensions or encourage them to propose their own ideas to expand the project's scope. And wherever possible, students are provided with choices and opportunities to incorporate their own interests. This approach increases students’ felt sense of autonomy and ownership, leading to more success and buy-in.

3. Screen Sharing on the YaizY Platform

Students and teachers alike value the YaizY platform’s screen-sharing function is a critical bridge for facilitating real-time teacher feedback and support. YaizY teachers can quickly scan through all shared student screens to prioritize students who need help or student work to spotlight.   

4. Clarity of Instructions

YaizY teachers accommodate diverse student learning needs by providing both verbal and written instructions for each and every project. These written instructions are provided in a format that can be referenced wherever needed, and rubrics are also provided to impart clarity around expectations. 

5. Teacher Modeling

YaizY teachers model critical project steps to demonstrate expert thinking and decision-making processes, set clear expectations, and boost student confidence. In addition to using exemplars, our teachers also provide non-exemplars for class discussion, boosting deeper learning through critical thinking about flaws and errors and building a class culture that values mistakes as an important part of the learning process. 

6. Collaborative Learning

Group work, peer support, and peer feedback don’t just make learning more fun and engaging; they also build the communication and SEL skills students need for future success in the workplace. YaizY teachers love empowering students to contribute to the deeper, collective learning of the class.

Are you ready to bring high-impact project-based learning to your students? Let’s connect to talk about how we can work together to make CTE learning more engaging, build future-ready skills, and affect meaningful outcomes for your organization through project-based learning - https://yaizy.io/contact-yaizy