Not only is Collins Career Center leading the way on implementing the conversion to project-based learning, the vocational school is well positioned to become training ground for this innovative teaching approach.

Many experts believe that project-based learning is a more effective alternative to paper-based, teacher-led classrooms. Significant amounts of data has shown the strategies are beneficial in the understanding of concepts, allows for a more broad knowledge base, improves communication, social, leadership and writing skills and increases creativity.

Collins already offers a grant-funded, two-year pilot program in health informatics that is taught under the guidelines of project-based learning and the school has applied for a grant to become the regional training center for this approach.

This would be a tremendous asset for Lawrence County — and ultimately the entire Tri-State — that would build on the already-strong educational opportunities.

Hopefully the government will see the success that has already happened and have the vision to see what could come.

It is often said that the definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over but expecting different results. That perfectly sums up our nation’s education system that has gotten mired in an over focus on standardized testing and memorization drills.

Project-based learning is about providing a hands-on educational experience that teaches individuals to think not regurgitate facts.

Collins should be commended for leading this charge that should be the beginning of great things to come.