Double Journal Entry # 7

What "dominant paradigm" is showing signs of wear?  The old pattern or idea that the ideal instructional model is: teachers and textbooks (the source of all information) convey the information through lecture reading, discussion etc. Any type of innovative learning is absent in this environment.

 According to the research, how does Project-Based Learning support student learning better than traditional approaches? Describe three benefits and cite the studies.  Project-Based Learning helps students develop the higher order thinking skills by requiring them to engage in more meaningful and complex tasks that reflect authentic experiences that they will encounter in the real world. Three benefits of Project-Based Learning are: gains in factual learning that are equivalent or superior to those of students who engage in traditional forms of instruction (Shepherd Study), students perform better with conceptual problems (Boaler study), it enables students to transfer their learning to new kinds of situations and problems and to use knowledge more proficiently in performance situation and increases in students’ ability to define problems (Gallagher, Stephen, & Rosenthal).

  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 supports student learning better because the problems are more realistic allowing students to solve problems in a variety of ways. Students can also reflect upon their work from multiple perspectives. Problem-Based Leaning supports flexible problem solving, application of knowledge, and hypothesis generation. Three benefits of Problem-Based Learning are: Case-based approaches help students learn to analyze complex and multifaceted situations, they help guide decision making, and they help learners apply theory to practical knowledge. Studies within the medical field, business, law, and teacher education bring these benefits to light.

 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 supports student learning better than traditional approaches because it supports repetition and revision and it allows students to create, assess, and redesign their projects. It promotes collaboration and specific roles for students that allow them to “shine” in particular areas. Three benefits of Learning by Design are: Better learner outcomes, better understandings of complex systems (Hello, Holton, and Colander), a positive effect on motivation and sense of ownership over designs among both individuals and groups (Fortes and colleagues).

 What are the differences between the three approaches? Project-Based Learning- designed with a project or product in mind, requires research and designing and creating an end product. Problem-Based Learning- Students are presented with a problem and must plan, call upon prior knowledge and organize new information. Learning by Design- Students design and create an artifact, revising as necessary with the goal of becoming “experts”.

In your opinion, what is the most important benefit to learning that is common across the three types of inquiry-based learning approaches? I feel the most important benefit to learning that is common across all three types is the allowing for real-world practice and application. This will only serve to benefit students in the future. Often, students complain don't see a connection between what they are being taught and how they will ever use it in the future. This is very discouraging for them. Real-world application is great for building both skills and confidence.

Source:

Barron, B. (2208). Teaching for meaningful learning. Retrieved from

      http://www.edutopia.org/pdfs/edutopia-teaching-for-meaningful-learning.pdf