Keeping Teenagers Engaged: What Research Says About Project-Based Learning and 2e Learners

Engagement often falls as students get older

Gallup's US Student Poll has tracked student engagement for over a decade. In its 2016 survey of students from about 3,000 participating schools, around three-quarters (74%) of fifth-graders reported being engaged with school. By grades 10 to 12, that fell to about one-third.

There are many reasons for this, including adolescence itself, rising academic pressure and changing interests. It is a challenge that schools around the world take seriously. Gallup also found that the most engaging high schools often shared features with primary classrooms: close relationships, active learning and a sense of purpose.

What project-based learning adds

Project-based learning (PBL) asks learners to tackle real questions over an extended period, producing something meaningful at the end. Rigorous studies now show it can raise achievement as well as engagement.

In a randomised controlled trial funded by Lucas Education Research, students taking Advanced Placement (AP) courses taught through the Knowledge in Action project-based approach were about 8 percentage points more likely to pass their AP exam in year one. In year two, the gap grew to about 10 points (Saavedra et al., 2021). A separate study of 2,300 third-graders in Michigan found an 8-point gain in science (Krajcik et al., 2021).

Why it matters for twice-exceptional learners

Twice-exceptional (2e) learners are highly able in some areas while also having a learning difference such as ADHD or dyslexia (Reis, Baum & Burke, 2014). Their strengths and difficulties can mask each other, so they are easy to overlook. Research recommends a strengths-based, talent-focused approach: building on interests while supporting areas of difficulty (Baum, Schader & Hébert, 2014).

PBL suits this well. It allows learners to show understanding in different ways, go deep in areas of strength, and get support where they need it.

How WeLearn puts this into practice

WeLearn Academy combines two strands for learners aged 11–18:

• Academic mastery: a recognised pathway, either Cambridge IGCSEs through CambriLearn or a US High School Diploma through Acellus Academy, taken at the learner's own pace.
• Project-based learning: real-world projects guided by a team of coaches, rather than separate subject teachers working alone.

Each semester, coaches review each learner's progress and interests and adjust their plan. Continuous observation helps us understand how each learner learns best, alongside formal assessments.