TransformSC Project-Based Learning Institute Inspires South Carolina Educators to take a dynamic approach to education

 Columbia, SC – On April 18, 2018, the South Carolina Council on Competitiveness’ education initiative, TransformSC, held its second project–based learning institute.

Nearly 200 educators from across the state gathered at Columbia’s Spirit Communications baseball park to explore new and dynamic ways to integrate project–based learning into their classrooms.

Project–based learning (PBL) is quickly becoming well-established as one of the most popular approaches to transforming education.  PBL is a hands-on approach to learning that challenges students to apply the information presented by teachers by working in teams to explore real-world problems and find creative solutions to challenges.

Attendees heard from a panel of students who shared their personal stories on how project–based learning is changing the way they retain information and teaching them soft-skills, such as giving and receiving constructive criticism, decision-making, public speaking, and time management.

“I think I learn more because it’s hands-on and I have to learn other things like working in a group and communicating in a way that works with people,” said Veronica Lennon,  a high school junior from Richland County School District Two.

Suzie Boss, author, and renowned project–based learning expert, along with her colleagues Matt Thompson and Kelley McKaig, led a series of breakout sessions that required attendees to engage in their own version of project–based learning.  The educators grouped together to discuss the challenges and successes they’re experienced in integrating project–based learning in their classrooms and participate in hands-on activities that further emphasized the value of project–based learning.

Boss says that she has seen first-hand how project–based learning can make an impact beyond the classroom. “I have been an advocate of project–based learning for a long time because I have seen what it can do for students, teachers and for communities,” she says.

“Project–based learning gives students a more engaging way to learn, allowing them to learn on a deeper level in a way that really sticks with them. It gives them a really strong memory and helps them see what they are really capable of.  It is also a really energizing way for educators to teach and often involves collaboration with other teachers and with partners outside the classroom. Many teachers talk about how it rejuvenates them and reminds them of why they went into teaching in the first place. [Project Based Learning] builds really strong relationships with their students. For communities, it’s a nice chance for communities to engage with their schools, to show their expertise in important ways and often to benefit from important work that the students are doing. So I think all around it’s a win, win, win.”