Post 5: Problem-based Learning

       Coffman states, “Problem-based learning presents a dynamic method to provide students the opportunity to explore a real-world problem or challenge around a curricular topic” (2013). She says that collaboration is an important part of problem-based learning. As a math major and a future math teacher I think that collaboration is key. In almost all of my math classes I have found small groups of people in my classes to work with. Collaboration is important to learning and teaching because it allows students to talk about the material at hand, digest it, understand it and why they might needs it, and to then be able to teach it to each other and provide them with a deeper understanding of the material. I think that collaboration is just as important in problem-based learning because students need to think about the content and how what they are learning relates to the “real-world”. I think that collaboration is a helpful element in them doing this. In my classroom I plan to use problem-based learning. Students are always asking when they are going to use what they are learning, especially in math. I plan to incorporate this by having my students solve real-world problems, collaborate with each other, use processes that reflect those in the “real world,” give them feedback, teach them how to process and understand material, and think critically. I also think that using technology to do this will be a helpful tool. I think one of the best ways to identify problem-based learning as an effective method in the classroom is engagement. If the students are engaging in the learning that is a very good sign. Engaging students also makes students excited about learning. 

       I plan to incorporate the use of technology into my classes. I think that technology can create engaging and real world relatable activities for students. In my class this semester I have learned several different kinds of technology to use. Two of my favorites were the use of QR codes into my math classes. I could do this within an activity or as a way of extending the notes without using more class time. Another use of technology that I liked was Google Maps. I created a map for my students to see and understand the real world application of surface area, area, and volume of rectangular prisms and cylinders. I think that using technology is a way to increase students’ interest and involve them in their learning. 

       “In the classroom, assessments provide an opportunity for learning and feedback for both you and your students” (Coffman, 2013). Like Coffman said, assessments are important to understand where you and your students stand. Some good assessments for inquiry learning are quizzes, work problems, discussions, self-asses, and work in small groups to create something. There are many other forms of assessment. It is important to consider assessments as part of the lesson and think about them during the lesson. They will be more effective.

Overall, I think that relating what students are learning to their lives is one of the most effective ways to excite students about their learning and deepen their understanding of the material.

Coffman, T. (2013). Using Inquiry in the Classroom. Lanham, MD: Rowman & Littlefield Education

Post 4: Designing Digital Age Experiences

      This week we learned about the importance of relating our content to the real world and developing lessons that force out students to think more deeply and applicably about the content.

      Problem based learning “encompasses rethinking of the entire curriculum so that teachers design whole units around complex, “ill-structured” problematic scenarios that embody the major concepts to be mastered and understood” (Bellanca & Brandt, 2010). The idea of problem based learning is to have the students investigating, thinking critically, and finding conclusions. A few key elements of problem based learning are: thinking about real-world problems, choices, collaboration, reflection. Problem based learning is important for developing 21st century skills by allowing students to create their own connects and use a variety of technologies to enhance these ideas and connections. Some technologies that have been found useful in problem based learning are the internet for research, images from the internet and books, collaborating through blogs, instant messaging, and Skype, and social media. These technologies allow students to learn more on their own and invent their own ideas. They allow students to collaborate with other people all around the world. 

     Research based instruction is important to ensure student development because it allows students to come to their own conclusions. Students who research the material at hand find their own connections with what they are reading and will then come to their own conclusions in their own terms. I also think that when students discover these conclusions on their own they are more meaningful and they will understand the material better. 

     What are hooks? “The Hook is the open-ended “big idea” question that grabs students’ attention and takes them into the problem to be explored and discovered” (Coffman, 2013). Hooks are important because they make students look at prior knowledge, grab their interest, give them ideas, and give the students a place to start the activity. 

     After the hook is presented, students will do research. What is important about good data for students to discover, explore, sift through, and make decisions from? Students can use the internet to explore real-world problems and find sources that support their opinion. They will need to analyze their data and find answers as well as learn the process of finding and using data. It is important for them to find good data and be able to sift through it because this will help them understand the initial problem. 

     “Telecollaboration provides opportunities for students to practice inquiry learning through the process of questioning, reflecting, and manipulating information using the Internet by collaborating and communicating with others” (Coffman, 2013). I think that using telecollaborative elements in lessons can improve students’ learning because it can broaden their ideas. They can gather information and ideas of other people from around the world. They can share and discuss ideas with people all over the world and incorporate their views into their own. I previously talked about students using social media, Skype, instant messaging, and other types of communication to collaborate with others. I think this is important because the learning is more in the hands of each student and allows them to make their own connections.

     I think the most important thing to take from this weeks lesson is that encouraging students to take learning into their own hands is great, but providing them with tools and setting up lessons that force students to do this is even better.

Reference:

Bellanca, J. & Brandt, R. (2010). 21st Century Skills: Rethinking How Students Learn. Bloomington,      IN: Solution Tree Press

Coffman, T. (2013). Using Inquiry in the Classroom. Lanham, MD: Rowman & Littlefield Education