Through project-based learning, educators can make challenging subjects engaging by emphasizing the relationship between classroom learning, real-world problems and student interests.
- “Authenticity helps students connect,” whether it’s something relevant to their lives, the world outside of school, the way people do projects or work, or a topic that’s relevant and timely in their community or the broader world, said Bob Lenz, CEO of PBLWorks. The nonprofit provides project-based learning resources for schools and educators.
- A 2024 study by Gallup found that 46% of Gen Z students in K-12 said their interest is driven by opportunities to engage with learning material in a hands-on way, and about 1 in 3 said they enjoy what they are learning most when they can make real-world connections.