Double Entry Journal #13: Learning Approaches

This double entry journal references this article: (link to the article right here)

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

The "dominant paradigm" is the attitude and practice of treating the teacher and the textbook as the main source of information. Schools are starting to give students open-ended projects and letting students explore more resources. Teachers are focusing more on becoming a learning coach rather than an exclusive learning manager. 

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 gain confidence and develop a better understanding of critical thinking. A study was done with a class that did a project based learning activtity involving solutions to housing shortages in several countries. These students scored higher on a critical thinking test (1998).
• Project based learning increases ability to define problems (Gallagher, Stepien, & Rosenthal, 1992).
• Studies show that both students and teachers experience more motivation, a better attitude toward learning, and better problem solving abilities though project based learning (Bartscher, Gould, & Nutter, 1995).

References:

Barron, B. J. S., Schwartz, D. L., Vye, N. J., 

Moore, A., Petrosino, A., Zech, L., et al. 

(1998). Doing with understanding: Lessons 

from research on problem- and project-based 

learning. Journal of the Learning Sciences, 

7(3–4), 271–311.

Gallagher, S. A., Stepien, W. J., & Rosenthal, H. (1992). The effects of problembased learning on problem solving. Gifted 

Child Quar terly, 36, 195–200.

Bartscher, Gould, & Nutter, 1995. Increasing student motivation through project-based 
learning. Master’s research project, Saint 
Xavier and IRI Skylight. (ED 392549).

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

• During problem based learning, students receive more practice involving solving meaningful problems, identifying what needs to be learned, and practicing strategies for a solution (Barrows, 1996; HmeloSilver, 2004).
• For example, medical students who are enrolled in problem-based curricula score higher on actual ratings of clinical performance (Vernon & Blake, 1993; Albanese & Mitchell, 1993). Practicing actively better prepared the students. 
• Students take a more active role in building their knowledge. Teachers arrange lectures to support inquiry. 

References:

Barrows, H. S. (1996). Problem-based learning in medicine and beyond: A brief over view. 

In New Directions for Teaching and Learning, 

no. 68 (pp. 3–11). San Francisco: JosseyBass.

Vernon, D. T., & Blake, R. L. (1993). Does 

problem-based learning work? A metaanalysis of evaluative research. Academic 

Medicine, 68(7) 550–563.

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 gives more open-ended opportunities to students. They are encouraged to talk to each other to create ideas. 
• Minority students benefit more from cooperative group work (see Slavin & Oickle, 1981).
• A research project involved designing a pair of lungs and a respiratory system. Students learned parts more systematically. Students were able to comprehend complex systems (Perkins, 1986).

References:

Slavin, R., & Oickle, E. (1981). Effects 

of cooperative learning teams on student 

achievement and race relations: Treatment 

by race interactions. Sociology of education, 

54(3), 174–180.

Peck, J. K, Peck W., Sentz, J., & Zasa, R. 

(1998). Students’ perceptions of literacy 

learning in a project-based curriculum. In 

5. What are the differences between the three approaches?

All of these approaches are so closely related, that students can complete several at the same time. Project based learning can focus on solving a problem, and so can design based learning. Project based focuses more on individual projects as well as group. Problem based focuses on a specific problem that students can find and research solutions for. Design based concentrates on generating ideas. There are no large differences between all three. 

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

In my opinion, cooperation and pursuit of interests are the greatest benefit to learning in these approaches. I find that what whatever I pursue outside of the classroom becomes a school and real world tool. Cooperation is important in the work place. It is a good idea to practice social tolerance early.