Double Entry Journal #7

1. Read the Introduction. What "dominant paradigm" is showing signs of wear?

The instructional knowledge provided by the teacher and textbook through lectures and discussion are showing signs of wear.

2. 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 supports student learning better than traditional approaches. It develops higher order thinking skills in the students and develops students who are critical thinkers and students who speak and write effectively. (Bransford, Brown, & Cocking, 1999; Bransford & Donovan, 2005)

Students involved in Project-based learning benefit from factual learning that are equivalent to students who engage in traditional learning instruction. (Thomas, 2000)

Finally, another benefit to Project-based learning is the students are given opportunities to use multimedia in the classroom. Students in this study performed better on content, design, and reaching the audience. (Penuel, Means, Simpkins, 2000)Communication, research, and presentations are the key aspects of this benefit.

3.  According to the research, how does Problem-Based Learning support student learning better than traditional approaches? Describe three benefits and cite the studies.

One benefit to Problem-based learning is that students are given problems where there is not one exact answer. It allows students to use their creativity and understanding to find a solution to a problem. (Dochy, Segers, Van den Bossche, & Gijbels, 2003)

Another benefit is that students are better able to generate a hypothesis and explain the hypothesis. (Hmelo, 1998b; Schmidt et al, 1996)

Lastly, students can support their hypothesis with well-reasoned arguments. (Stepien et al, 1993)

4.  According to the research, how does Learning by Design support student learning better than traditional approaches? Describe three benefits and cite the studies.

One of the benefits to this approach is students are able to become experts on the content they are working with. Students have to do research on the artifact they are creating. (Hmelo, Holton, & Kolodner, 2000)

Another benefit is that students are able to better understand complex systems. (Perkins, 1986)

Finally, students have the chance to design artifacts that display understanding. Students relate the artifact with a real-world concept. (Fortus and colleagues, 2004)

5. What are the differences between the three approaches?

There are a few differences between the three approaches. Project-based leads the class to produce an actual project. Problem-based has the students working in small groups to solve a given problem. Finally, the Learning by Design approach has the students creating an artifact that will be presented based on understanding and application of the material at hand. Although the three approaches are different, they go hand-in-hand.

6. In your opinion, what is the most important benefit to learning that is common across the three types of inquiry-based learning approaches?

I believe the most important benefit to learning that is common across the three approaches is that students are actually engaged in the lesson and not just being lectured to or reading from a book. I believe this because I personally learn best when I am engaged in a lesson. I still remember lessons that involved group problem solving and hands-on activities.

Reference:
Baron, , B., & Darling-Hammond, L. (1991). Teaching for meaningful learners. Retrieved from http://www.edutopia.org/pdfs/edutopia-teaching-for-meaningful-learning.pdf