“In terms of
inquiry-based learning, there is broad consensus among educators and
psychologists from a variety of fields that students learn best when the
learning process involves inquiry as opposed to the memorization of the facts
and principles that result from someone else’s inquiry.” (Barab,
Thomas, Dodge, Carteaux, & Tuzun, 2013)
This
quote reminds me of the Project-Based Learning and student-centered learning we
have tried to incorporate at North Marion High School. In our school, we
present students with problems and let them discover the concepts and
procedures to solve the situation. This motivates students to learn instead of regurgitating
information that has been forced upon them. I believe that this quote
adequately says what I believe has worked for my students. Students don’t have
a problem with learning, they have a problem with senseless learning.
Barab, S., Thomas, M., Dodge, T., Carteaux, R., &
Tuzun, H. (2013, February 7). Making Learning Fun: Quest Atlantis, A Game
without Guns. Retrieved from Springer Link:
http://link.springer.com/article/10.1007%2FBF02504859
I found this video on Youtube that explains the concept of what is happening at North Marion and how instruction is presented to our students. This video is from the Buck Institute which is one of the leading promoters of PBLs and student-centered learning in schools.
Buck Institute for Education. (2010, December 9). Project
Based Learning: Explained. Retrieved from Youtube:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LMCZvGesRz8
I really like the video you posted; I think Project Based Learning is so much more effective than simply providing students with information and then expecting them to just recite it back on a test. During my 75 hour clinical I designed a PBL on planet weather. The students were so engaged and worked together to actively solve a problem. Weeks later they could still talk to me about what they learned.
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed the quote you chose. I learned a lot about inquiry during my methods class. It seems to be the way of the future or I hope. I agree that students don’t mind to learn they just mind senseless learning. Very well stated! Inquiry is difficulty to put into play but once a teacher has it figured, the results really show. I haven’t figured out PBL in chemistry yet, but I am doing research and hoping to be able to incorporate it in my own classroom.
ReplyDeleteI'm glad you are all making connections between games and PBL! They are both grounded in constructivist teaching philosophy!
ReplyDeleteGreat video - I love those really entertaining, short videos with clear explanations! Project based learning is so important - I think back about the things I really remember when I went to school - and the stuff that sticks are things that I did projects about... albeit, the "project" was usually a longer report with maybe a small visual aid, but it was still better than taking a test! And, what is said about inquiry - I always find that my first task with my students is to encourage them to be curious.
ReplyDelete