I would respond to that with this ancient Chinese proverb.

We see and we forget

We do and we remember

We teach and we understand.

Not only does doing a project access your various multiple intelligences (Howard Gardner says we have 9 different ones) but demonstrating what you learned in a way that others will LEARN from it, helps you work through the process of what it is YOU were learning about.

So, school projects are intended to help you work on developing your individual learning style, plan your time well (in order to complete it on time), strengthen your ability to speak in front of others (assuming you are presenting your information to the rest of the class), and to help you REMEMBER the information that you learning about.

I didn’t do most of my school projects, or most of my work for that matter, and I was graduated two years late. However, at the risk of sounding as though I’m passing blame, I think the teachers and school administration could have done more as well. Seeing that I was one student in a school of only 300, they knew whom I was, my preceding siblings and some even knew my parents on a business and/or social levels. Over ten years later, though, I am doing well, but I am not going to let my experience happen to my child(ren). I’m not ignorant, I am just not a scholar. (Which is why I still don’t have my undergrad, I suppose. That and I willingly interrupted my schooling so that my husband could go to grad school.)

Yes, they are important. That is why they are assigned. Yet, if you’re having trouble, try talking with your teacher(s). I know it can seem intimidating, but in the long run, it might be worth it.

People have different learning styles and research in the education field have shown that only a small number of people learn best from paper and pencil styles. Projects help people fully learn the information by attempting to incorporate those other learning styles. It also helps prepare students for world in which you will need to be able to think in various media. Consider this: is it easier to write a 10 page term paper or to create another way to show you learned the same information? If you are good at music you might write a song. Theater students might write a one-act play. Even in daily class see how many students’ eyes glaze over when passed a worksheet vs. how involved they become when actively participating. Also, see which lessons you remember better. The one where you answered 10 questions from the book or the ones you simulated the information?

School projects are very important.

They very well might replicate what you are doing after your schooling is over. Projects are either done by one individual or a group.

When you do an individual project you learn how to work by yourself. Many jobs and activities require that you have this skill.

When you are involves with a group project you learn to work with others. You learn how to get along with different people, how to use peer pressure to complete deadlines and get other work done, how each person has different abilities and therefore should handle different parts of a project.

Projects also frequently mean that you are learning something in depth. You may become an expert in something

Absolutely. I hate when I get stuck with a deadbeat to team up with. I just end up doing it myself and that way I will get a good grade.

Yes, of course!

They count for more than 30 percent of your grade.

hello??? if they aren’t important, why teachers gave you to do it? trust me, it’ll help you a lot.