The New America Schools instruction is built on the idea of active, not passive, learning. Project-based learning emphasizes active learning.

Some of the techniques teachers may use, which have been proven effective in English Language Acquisition (ELA) classes across the country, include:

• Previewing and building on prior knowledge.
• Interactive work, not lengthy lecturing.
• Demonstrations.
• Graphic organizers and other visually-oriented aids that provide a non-linguistic structure for understanding key information.
• Continual modeling by teachers of what kind of work is expected and how to create it.
• An emphasis on relating students' culture to content, which engages students, maintains their interest, and keeps students' heritage part of their lives.
• Extensive group work that offers the opportunity to engage students in talking, interacting, problem solving, and improving social skills.