by Miriam F.

Alamo Heights Junior School classrooms are a place for learning and exploration. Whether it’s notes, projects, or lectures, students are always engaged. Students especially love projects. Although the students’ excitement about projects is evident, teachers have a different opinion.

But why are projects rated so low on teachers’ lists compared to other types of assignments? According to Sr. Morales, “If you’re really focused on one thing, you don’t learn about the other.” He explains how projects are usually focused on one side of the topic. Because of that, you don’t usually get to learn the other side.

On the other hand, it has become evident that students would rather do projects. As Alamo Heights 8th-grade student Evie Bowhay Carnes states, “It gives you a better understanding while also being fun.” Not only does this show that students enjoy projects because they are fun, but they also feel that projects give them a better understanding of the topic.

Another reason Evie shared was, “It stimulates the creative part of your brain.” This shows how projects can be a great break from the usual notes, as they encourage imagination.

In the end, while students may like projects and teachers not so much, a mix of both projects and tests helps students more than just doing one or the other.