Sunday, April 20, 2014

Blog Post #13

My area of specialty is elementary education. As we have learned this semester, project based learning is an important method to incorporate into the classroom. However, I keep wondering if there are other methods besides PBL and regular lecture type teaching. I did some research and I found Problem Based Learning and Inquiry Based Learning.

Blog Post:
Rather than teaching students facts and having them just memorize the information to pass the test, we should get them thinking and asking questions. That is what problem based learning and inquiry based learning help to do. These videos and websites introduce problem based learning and inquiry based learning; compares and contrasts these two with each and also with project based learning; and demonstrates ways to combine the three to create a better learning environment for our students.
Watch Inquiry and Problem Based Learning (2:29)
Watch Project/Problem based learning in elementary school (5:30)
Visit Project, Problem, and Inquiry-Based Learning and explore the links to learn more about Project, Problem and Inquiry based learning.
Write a quality blog post on it.


elementary students on laptop
As we have already learned, "project based learning is a teaching method in which students gain knowledge and skills by working for an extended period of time to investigate and respond to a complex question, problem, or challenge" (BIE). Project and Problem based learning are very similar; however, problem based learning focuses more on teaching through problems, and projects are just incorporated into the learning process. In project based learning, the teaching method is solely taught through the students doing projects, and problem solving is one of the types of ways to go about doing these projects. Problem based learning is an approach to learning focusing on the process of solving a problem and acquiring knowledge. Problem based learning is also inquiry-based when students are active in creating the problem. Inquiry based learning is a student-centered, active learning approach focusing on questioning, critical thinking, and problem-solving. These three approaches used separately can help students better understand the information, rather than lecture learning. However, when these learning strategies are combined, the learning process becomes much better and it creates a greater learning environment for the students. They will walk out of the classroom at the end of each day knowing more than just how to memorize facts; they will truly learn and be engaged in their learning.

1 comment:

  1. What a way to pinpoint another great way of learning! Often a person can reinforce what they have learned by themselves making questions, as if they were creating a test. This way they can demonstrate that they not only know the material, but also understand the parts are important to test on. Well done.

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