Double Journal Entry #6

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

Teachers are still using the same strategies as before and not implementing new types of learning. They seem to stick with the typical textbook, lecture approach.

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

Students need to learn the skills for their future in the work force. Careers today are built around collaboration, communication, and smart decision making. Project based learning allows students to experience these skills as well as gain experience with technology. It allows for higher order thinking skills. (Bransford, Brown, & Cocking, 1999; Bransford & Donovan, 2005). Studies show that students perform better when doing projects and activities that are authentic and real world. (Newmann, 1996).   

               

4.  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 allows students to create, assess, and redesign their work and allows students to have different jobs and responsibilities. This inquiry-based approach allows students to gain critical twenty-first century skills such as developing plans and generating ideas.  Design based lessons also develop technical and subject matter knowledge. (Newstetter, 2000)

5. What are the differences between the three approaches?

                These approaches all have great benefits. In project based learning students are working together throughout the project while learning by design allows students to take on their own jobs while still collaborating with others. In Learning by Design students are actually creating something  rather than just solving a problem.

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

It is important that all three of these approaches allow for student collaboration and decision making. Students will have to gain these skills to survive in everyday like. Throughout life students will have to learn to work with others in their workforce as well as in life itself. This is a very important skill. If children are applying these skills in school it will better them in the future as adults.

Barron, B., & Darling-Hammond, L. Teaching for meaningful learning. Retrieved from http://www.edutopia.org/pdfs/edutopia-teaching-for-meaningful-learning.pdf