Hausner's Project-Based Learning Transforms the Way Education is Delivered

From Andrea Sobel of Gideon Hausner Jewish Day School:

Advocates of hands-on learning, Gideon Hausner Jewish Day School employs a project-based learning (PBL) approach to develop students’ practical life skills through investigation, complex research and decision-making. This innovative approach to student-centered education leads to deeper engagement and learning.

From the kindergartners to 8th grade students, Hausner incorporates PBL in creative ways to empower students to identify a real-world problem and develop its solution.

“Our students’ enthusiasm and deep understanding of what they are learning as a result of our project-based learning experiential approach is remarkable,” explained Hausner’s Head of School Julie Smith.

Following their study of Ezra Jack Keats and Martin Luther King, Jr., Hausner kindergartners were challenged to design and build their own peaceful city. Students designed and constructed buildings, vehicles and city signs to create a city they named Ir Shalom.

The Deputy Consul General of Israel attended the ribbon cutting ceremony to open Ir Shalom, and spoke to Hausner students about the peaceful life they can create for all of us when they grow up. Students drove their vehicles throughout the campus, as they passed their street signs in English, Hebrew and Arabic; and followed stop signs that maintained a peaceful flow of traffic.

“The learning outcomes were tremendous as students identified essential components of a city that contribute to peacefulness,” explained Sally Goodis, Hausner kindergarten teacher.

Hausner 7th graders’ recent PBL unit integrated various disciplines from English and math to leadership and the fine arts, and required learning new skills such as carpentry and sewing as well as in-depth research of historical information.

Students wrote an original script, produced a play – which included set design, costume design, lighting design, and composing the playbill – and performed in front of a large audience.

“Students participated in various playwriting workshops to develop a 15-20 page script focused on how to get along,” explained Hausner History teacher Ambar Panjabi.

Beyond sawing and nailing wood, students applied math skills in measurements in order to build spice racks, which were part of the sets. Each student gathered historical information, selected which role was most fitting, developed the timeline, and used sewing machines to stitch skirts and tunics.