Active Learning

Problem Based Learning

Integrated Curriculum

Real World


Next Lesson Topic
 

This on-line training is designed to familiarize you with Project Based Learning and to enable you to create your own PBL lesson plans.  You will accomplish these tasks by studying the background of PBL, including theories and techniques utilized to create an active learning classroom.  You will also read and on-line book written by Dr. Charles R. Bacon dealing with teaching and learning in the information age.

You will submit responses to  learning inquiries that occur at the end of each topic area.  You will also create or modify your own PBL lesson plan.  Submitting a completed lesson plan for review will be the final demonstration of your successful completion of the on-line training.

If you have questions during the training, you may email them to Charles_Bacon@ferris.edu.

Definition of Problem Based Learning

* Students learn by analyzing selected problems

* Students work in tutorial groups recording key areas for learning

* Learning is active and student-directed

*Self-directed learning skills are developed and enhanced

*Teachers guide and facilitate rather than direct

*Discovery and application of knowledge emphasized over recall

*Assessment focuses on reasoning and self-directed learning as well as recognition and recall of facts

Problem-based learning is a phrase that describes acquiring knowledge, information, and learning techniques and processes while working toward the solution to a problem, on an investigation, or toward the production of a product.  Knowledge, information, techniques, skills, and processes gain instant relevance and meaning within the problem’s context.

Integrated Curriculum

Within any discipline, courses may deal with curricular activities that integrate a broader range of knowledge.  When sub-disciplines or related subjects are combined in projects or problems, and each is considered in the curriculum, the term integrated applies.

Real World

A phrase that describes the effort to create greater student connections between the skills and knowledge taught in the classroom and the skills and knowledge required in post-college experiences.

Active Learning

Active learning is poorly defined, however Bonwell and Eison state “…that students must do more than just listen: they must read, write, discuss, or be engaged in solving problems.  Most important, to be actively involved, students must engage in such higher-order thinking tasks as analysis, synthesis, and evaluation.  Within this context, it is proposed that strategies promoting active learning be defined as instructional activities involving students in doing things and thinking about what they are doing.”

Assignment:

Read Chapter One of Do Something!