Project-Based LEARNing

Many out-of-school programs in Montgomery County use project-based learning (PBL), which includes authentic, real-world inquiry to deepen learning. Students and teachers formulate driving questions that lead to greater exploration. Effective PBL is tied to academic standards and includes direct instruction in addition to projects. The process should include cross-curricular elements, such as STEM, literacy/ELA, social studies, and the arts, etc. as appropriate to the activities. PBL may include service-learning, working with community groups or local nonprofits to create projects that improve the quality of life for target populations, neighborhoods, etc.

Expeditionary Learning (EL), which includes projects or inquiry, also found positive results. Founded by the Harvard Graduate School in Education, Expeditionary Learning is another evidence-based program using authentic learning. In a randomized control trial and quasi-experimental study with 70 schools in 18 districts, Mathematica Policy Research found the EL group outperformed the control group (2019). East End's Miracle Makers program uses the EL program.