Double Entry Journal #8

1. What are some challenges to inquiry approaches to learning?
I think one of the biggest challenges to inquiry-based approaches is for the teacher. It is a lot more work to create lesson plans with an inquiry-based approach. Teaching from the manual is less work for the teacher, but far less engaging for the students. I think this is why most teachers teach from the book. They don't have the time to create lesson plans where the students have to make something. Another challenge is covering all of the CSOs. Some people think that because you are not teaching from the book with prepared worksheets that you are not teaching what you are required to be. This is however not the case, but people don't understand that. The final challenge is figuring out how to cover the standardized tests concepts. There is entirely too much emphasis placed on standardized testing now that students don't even have time to have fun while learning. Everyone is so worried about those test scores that they are strictly testing for the test. I don't believe that students are truly learning anything that way. There are so many variables when it comes to taking tests that they are not always accurate.

2. Make connections between project-based learning and three research based strategies. Give a brief explanation of the connections.
Thematic instruction and project-based learning have a lot in common. They are both based on authentic content in which the student enjoys doing. They take school subjects and help the students apply them to real-life situations. They employ cooperative grouping; using small, cooperative learning groups to support problem-solving and cooperation. Designing hands-on, "minds-on" activities help students make real-world sense of concepts by applying what they are learning. Thematic instruction is centered around project-based learning. Project-based learning incorporates cooperative learning, which is where students work together to accomplish shared goals. A variety of strategies to choose student groups are used , such as : common clothing, favorite colors, letters in names, birthdays. Simulations and games is also similar to project-based learning. They both provide students the opportunity to visualize and model which improves their chances for understanding. They create a demand for knowledge and enable students to discover knowledge through exploration. All of these are intertwined with project-based learning on some level.