Project Method

The project method was developed by William Heard Kilpatrick (1871–1965) during the progressive period in American education. Based on the teachings of lohn Dewey (1859–1952), it incorporated modifications and focused on a curriculum which used the child's life experiences and interests.

Kilpatrick was Dewey's student at Teachers College, Columbia University. Kilpatrick's focus was upon the use of successful living in a democratic society. He emphasized problem-area studies or social living themes which had a moral outcome that was organized around the children's interests. Subject matter was only used to fulfill the method's educational purpose.

Kilpatrick taught courses in the history of education at Teachers College and published The Dutch Schools of New Netherland and Colonial New York in 1912, based on his doctoral dissertation. He ...