Double Journal Entry #7

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

Instructional knowledge from the teacher and text through lectures and discussion are showing signs of wear in the classroom.

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 enhances student learning more than traditional approaches because it develops higher order thinking skills, develops critical thinkers, and effective speakers and writers. (Bransford, Brown, & Cocking, 1999; Bransford & Donovan, 2005) It provides personal connections from students' work to real-life situations. Students involved in Project-based learning, benefit from factual learning that are equivalent to students who engage in traditional learning instruction. (Thomas, 2000) Project-based learning gives students 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.

A benefit its that students are given problems where there is not one exact answer which allows them to use creativity, critical thinking and understanding to find answer a problem. (Dochy, Segers, Van den Bossche, & Gijbels, 2003) Students are better prepared to generate and explain hypotheses. (Hmelo, 1998b; Schmidt et al, 1996) They can also 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.

Students are become experts on the content they are working with when using Learning by Design because they have research the artifact they create. (Hmelo, Holton, & Kolodner, 2000) Students better understand complex systems. (Perkins, 1986) Students have the chance to design artifacts that display their understanding and relate the artifact to a real-world concept. (Fortus and colleagues, 2004)

5. What are the differences between the three approaches?

Project-based learning produces an actual project from the students. Problem-based has the students working in small groups to solve a given problem. Learning by Design directs students to create an artifact that will be presented based on understanding and application of the material covered. Though the three approaches are different, they work nicely together and all stem from a higher order of thinking.

6. In your opinion, what is the most important benefit to learning that is common across the three types of inquiry-based learning approaches? 
The most important benefit to these inquiry-based learning approaches is the fact that they are hands-on. They allow students to participate and take an active role in their learning rather than just listening. My mother used to tell me "You never know until you try," and that makes perfect sense in the classroom. Learning by experience is so much more beneficial than listening to a lecture.

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