I wrote earlier about my experiment this semester with project-based learning. So far, it has exceeded my expectations. The move away from tests to realistic projects has brought many benefits. In hindsight, this is one of those things that is obvious after you make the switch. How do typical tests prepare a person for the working world? They don't. Yet the idea of testing continues on mostly out of tradition, not effectiveness.
Many projects I am seeing have actual real-world potential. In my opinion, these ties between academics and the community should be strengthened. College shouldn't be an artifical entity where students are separated from society for four years. It should be intertwined with the community and the world in a natural way.
