3351 Double Journal Entry #8

Some challenges to inquiry approaches to learning are:

·         One of the most significant challenges is the skills and knowledge of the teachers. When teachers don’t fully understand the complexities of inquiry-based learning, they may simply think of this approach “unstructured,” and may, as a result, fail to provide proper scaffolding, assessment, and redirection.

·         Students may lack the background knowledge needed to make sense of the inquiry.

·         Students may have difficulty developing logical arguments and evidence to support their claims.

·         Students often find it hard to determine how to work together, manage their time and the complexity of the work, and sustain motivation in the face of setbacks or confusion.

·         Teachers must learn how to juggle a host of new responsibilities and implementation issues—from carving out the time needed for extended inquiry to developing new classroom-management techniques.

Make connections between project-based learning and three research based strategies.

·         Project-based learning involves completing complex tasks that usually result in a real-life creation. One way of helping students is Simulations and Games. Providing students the opportunity to visualize and model improves their chances for understanding. Students are able to work through situations in a variety of different ways without fear of failing with severe consequences. I think of Dr. Smith when I hear the word simulation. We did several in her class. One of them helped us understand production.

·         Homework and Practice is a strategy that should increase understanding. The activity should match the learning goal. This is a subject close to my heart. The principal at my daughter’s school asks that parents spot check their child’s homework nightly. He doesn’t want you to check it all because the teachers have to be able to tell what the student needs more practice with.

·         Cooperative learning is a good way to help students figure out how to work together. This is another topic that takes me back to Dr. Smith’s class. It’s not just group work. She would place us in a group and each person was assigned a job within the group. This way everyone was contributing.

References

Research-based strategies. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.netc.org/focus/strategies/