Learning The Play: Eric Burrell's Classroom

Children learning through the process of play is not a new concept in education. For centuries, educators have used the process to help students understand concepts through engaging means. In Eric Burrell’s classroom, the gymnasium at Abraham Lincoln Elementary School, he is drawing on this proven technique to implement project-based learning (PBL).

For Burrell’s 5th grade class, the challenge is to design games to be used in Physical Education (PE) to target cardiovascular and muscular endurance development, “They will be working collaboratively in small groups to name the game, decide on area of play and materials needed, then finally the rules,” explains Burrell. “Communication of rules and specifics will be written then demonstrated through the class actually playing the games.”

An advantage of PBL is the ability to tailor its usage to any age group and nearly any standard being taught. Yet, for Burrell, the advantages go beyond its adaptability, “I think the PBL model for student learning is engaging to students because it provides a sense of ownership. It's authentic, it's creative, and reaches deeper into the learning process.”

Ultimately Burrell is focused on the long-term skill development in students. Even from a young age, they are building repetitions in abilities that will become more and more useful as they get close to graduation and entering the workforce, “The PBL model is real life, it's a meaningful learning opportunity. It fosters a lot of things such as cooperation skills, communication skills, independence, and creativity in solving a task or project,” Burrell says.

In closing, Burrell is optimistic about the personal development students begin to take on in projects like this, "Students tend to care more when it’s their own ideas and bodies of work. It forces students to think critically and problem solve while working on communication skills."