Sunday, March 29, 2015

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

1 comment:

  1. I agree with this, Becka. I feel collaboration is an important part of problem-based learning (although I also feel independently solving problems has its benefits as well). I think that collaboration helps students not only learn from themselves and the content from the lesson, they can also learn from other students. Collaboration created a whole new resource to gain knowledge from.

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