Double Entry Journal #13

From: Teaching for Meaningful Learning

1. Read the Introduction. What "dominant paradigm" is showing signs of wear?
The instructional model of the teacher using a textbook as the main source of knowledge in the classroom.

2. According to the research, how does Project-Based Learning support student learning better than traditional approaches? Describe three benefits and cite the studies. As seen in the two-year British study done by Bosler, the students who were involved in the project-based learning did better when exposed to conceptual problems on the exam. Bosler commented that the students had a more "flexible" knowledge of mathematics that allowed them to be better engaged in thinking and exploring than the children that were traditionally taught. The studies that Thomas did also favored project-based learning because the children were able to think more critically, and therefore also carried more confidence in their learning than those from traditional teaching. Several researchers have also noted the changes in motivation, not only for students, but for teachers as well, that take place with project-based learning. These researchers have noted changes in attitudes toward learning and skills as well.

3. According to the research, how does Problem-Based Learning support student learning better than traditional approaches? Describe three benefits and cite the studies. Problem-based learning allows for students to better connect with problems that they may potentially face in their lives, and create solutions by working in groups for the best solution. These students are more in control of their learning than traditional students, and they are developing critical problem solving skills that will connect with every aspect of their lives. Problem-based learning is used in the medical field a great deal, and a lot of the research comes from this usage. Problem-based learning can also be seen in the use of case studies in Teacher Education. I can account for the fact, that I often learn a lot from working on solving cases, and I like this method of learning.


4. According to the research, how does Learning by Design support student learning better than traditional approaches? Describe three benefits and cite the studies. Learning by design varies from traditional teaching because the students are actually creating something. This approach is much more hands-on and involved than traditional teaching. The students are working to design, revise, and create something using 21st century skills that is unique to them. By doing so, they are taking the reins in their learning and working to create a way to learn best. The "Where I'm From" project reminds me of this approach.


5. What are the differences between the three approaches?
Each approach has a different guiding aspect - projects, problems, or designing. They all use these aspects to make the inquiry processes a little different for each approach, and therefore leading to potentially different ways of learning, which can allow all kinds of learning styles/students to be reached by any one of these approaches.

6. In your opinion, what is the most important benefit to learning that is common across the three types of inquiry-based learning approaches? With all of these, the children have a say in their learning. That is not always the case with traditional learning, and is very sad, if you ask me. I feel that, since the students are learning, they should have some control. They should be able to learn in the best manner for them, and through the best approach that fits them. I like all three of these approaches, because they are different, but yet they all have a similar goal - to allow students to branch out, develop their learning, and to make it stick and last for more than just a testing period.