Benefits

Obstacles

Teacher efficacy to implement learner-centered, emergent curriculum where students choose, research, & solve real-world issues

Student idealism regarding issues as easy & straight-forward was tested

Challenging, memorable, & motivating work worth doing

Teacher & students dealt with unexpected conflict, disappointment, & failure

Students engage in self-directed learning

Failure to understand all stakeholder perspectives before implementing solution

Teacher scaffolds student learning as needed

Teacher learned necessity of troubleshooting before implementing solution

Promotes development of critical thinking, problem-solving, & collaboration skills necessary for 21^st century life, work, & democratic citizenship

Researching & solving real-world issues is complex, convoluted, & messy