What is the problem solving approach?
Connecting with last week's topic of questions, this week was all about problem solving techniques. Included with the topic of problem solving was project based learning in the classroom.
Problem Solving
Teaching problem-solving skills in the classroom will prepare students for the world beyond the classroom. I think problem solving techniques should be integrated into the curriculum whenever possible to give students the opportunity to use higher-order cognitive skills.
Project Based Learning
One of the articles I read this week was by Lamar and Mergendoller titled The Main Course, Not Dessert. This article really spoke to me about showing the differences is shallow projects and project based learning. There were facets listed that need to be included in order for a project to be considered a learning based experience. After reading this article, I am determined to craft a project based learning experience for one of the units I will teach during the spring. I am not sure of what unit I will pick as of now, but I truly feel that giving students the opportunity to learn and implement problem solving skills through project based learning is a valuable opportunity.
Project Based Learning Toolkit
As a continuation of the article mentioned above, I have been reading the Project Based Learning Toolkit which has been produced by the Buck Institute For Education. This book gives step-by-step advice on how to implement effective projects that drive student learning. I intend to continue to use this resource as inspiration for the project based learning experience I will implement in the spring.
Key Take-Aways
- Project based learning should be the main course meal, not dessert.
- Project based learning is intended to teach significant content.
- There are three types of problems: well-structured, moderately-structured, and ill-structured.
Olivia, you chose a great format for your blog post this week and did a nice job reflecting on each article! I especially like how you shared your plan to incorporate what you learned from your readings into you student teaching experience and that you included key takeaways. Nice job!
ReplyDeleteI liked how you had three take-away points at the bottom of your blog. I agree with them and think it helps make the blog easier to read.
ReplyDeleteGreat job reflecting! If you really wanted and saw some benefit to it maybe go into more of what well-structured, moderately structured and ill-structured problems are. Some short examples or explanations of them-pros and cons as well) would work. I loved your summary at the end as well!
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