Building positive self-identity by Franci Bell
Elementary and middle school students actively engage in the lifelong identity development process. They...
Project Based Learning
What is project based learning at TCS?
Project-Based Learning at The Cooper School is more than just a teaching method; it’s a transformative educational experience. PBL empowers our students to become active participants in shaping their own knowledge and understanding.
About Project Based Learning
Each project serves as an immersive exploration of real-world topics that captivate student interest, making learning truly engaging. With PBL, our students develop essential questions, embark on authentic research journeys, and navigate diverse avenues to creative solutions. At TCS, we encourage our students to ask big questions and nurture their ability to craft even bigger answers.
Project-Based Learning is at the heart of our commitment to fostering critical thinking, problem-solving, and lifelong learning skills, ensuring that our students are well-prepared for the complexities of the world beyond the classroom.
Rooted in the groundbreaking work of John Dewey at the University of Chicago, the Project Approach has evolved into a powerful teaching strategy. At its core, it invites students to take the reins of their learning by deeply investigating real-world topics they’re genuinely interested in. This approach is a catalyst for active learning, motivating students, fostering creativity, and encouraging collaboration.
Our belief in the Project Approach aligns with key principles:
Inherent Curiosity
Every child is born with a natural quest for understanding and a desire to learn.
Guided Self-Construction
Students construct their knowledge with the help of teachers who facilitate and guide their journey.
Confidence and Purpose
Positive self-esteem and a sense of purpose are the cornerstones of successful learning.
Interactive Learning
Teaching and learning are dynamic, interactive processes.
Blending School and Life
We bridge the gap between school and real life, making education a seamless part of our students’ world.
Diversity Drives Growth
We celebrate the unique strengths, weaknesses, interests, and backgrounds of each student, enabling them to learn from one another and grow as individuals.
Learning Mosaic
Students learn through a blend of first-hand observation, hands-on experience, systematic instruction, and personal reflection.
Social-Emotional Skills
We recognize the importance of social and emotional skills alongside academic knowledge.
At The Cooper School, the term “project” signifies an in-depth exploration of a topic that spans several weeks.
Each project’s key features are investigation and individualization. During these projects, children are encouraged to pose their questions or collaborate with teachers to formulate meaningful questions. Our project curriculum unfolds in three distinct phases:
1
Beginning the Project
In this phase, we spark students’ curiosity through discussions, topic webs, and activities. We gauge their familiarity and interests, helping them develop questions for their investigations.
2
Developing the Project
This phase revolves around fieldwork, expert visits, community observations, and the flood of related resources. Students represent their understanding of the topic in various creative forms.
3
Concluding the Project
The culminating phase sees students preparing for a presentation where they share their newfound knowledge. They plan, select materials, and reflect on the learning process.
Why the Project Approach?
The Project Approach fosters a deep and authentic understanding of the world. It engages students in questions that matter to them, promotes creativity, and nurtures a love for learning. Our students actively participate in shaping their world, reflecting the essence of the Cooper School experience.
We invite you to explore the transformative power of the Project Approach, where education extends beyond the classroom and into every facet of our students’ lives.