Prep Talk

Creating Educational Projects that “Stick”

Posted February 15th, 2016

A recent article in The Journal: Transforming Education Through Technology, by Patrick Peterson, talked about something we’re passionate about here at the Prep—making learning an interactive process that is memorable.

The article showcases what Rushton Hurley, a former teacher and principal, says about great projects—the ones in which students love to participate. Great projects create the kinds of experiences that not only reinforce the educational material, but also inspire curiosity and encourage students to reach for more. “It’s the stuff that sticks, he says. “We have a lot of days when things do not. Much of what happens in classes is sitting and listening and trying not to fall asleep.”

Falling asleep in class usually isn’t a problem here at the Prep! Below are two projects that took place earlier this year which demonstrate the kinds of experiences that Hurley talks about in the article.

Spanish Classes Participate in Tomatina

In September, students got a chance to re-enact the famous La Tomatina, a food fight festival that happens in the town of Buñol Spain every year in honor of the town’s patrons, St. Louis Bertrand (San Luis Bertràn) and the Mare de Déu dels Desemparats (Mother of God of the Defenseless), a title of the Virgin Mary. Watch a video of the Prep’s La Tomatina, and you’ll see why it was a memorable experience, and a great way for the boys to learn Spanish history while having fun.

Mental Toughness Tower Building

Building towers out of paper plates, cups, rubber bands and plastic utensils might seem like lunch-time hi-jinks to some, but it’s really quite a challenge. And competing as a team to engineer a tower that will withstand a baseball dropped from a height is a project our students won’t forget (see the video). Plus, this was just one exercise in a series of mental, physical and service challenges provided in the Third Semester course here at the Prep.

These are just two examples of how experiential learning can enhance classroom education. Great projects can take on many forms, and don’t have to be limited to school. Summer vacations can be wonderful opportunities for parents and children to participate in a learning experience together. If you’ve participated in such an activity, please share it in the comments. What projects do you remember from your high school years? Which ones do your children remember?