Project-Based Learning

Students...

• pursue solutions to problems
• debate ideas
• makes plans/designs
• analyze data
• draw conclusions
• create artifacts

Teachers...

• define learning goals
• engage students in problem-solving
• provide support
• give formative assessments
• promote collaboration

Benefits...

• Leads to higher cognitive development
• Thematic instruction
• Helps students "know" AND "do"
• Motivates indifferent students
• Promotes collaboration
• Meets needs of varying levels of learners

Challenges...

• Students have difficulty formulating scientific questions
• Difficulty developing logical arguments
• Takes lots of class time
• Teachers have difficulty assessing different projects

Example

Immigration:
How to solve issues of immigration. Students have freedom to choose specific issue to focus on, and design a plan to show their learning.

Inquiry Learning

Students...

• engage in discussion of a question/event
• participate in hands-on activities to dig deeper
• explain new levels of understanding a concept
• apply learning to new concepts
• evaluate learning through activities

Teachers...

• provide object/event/question for students to inquire about
• plan activities for exploration of a concept
• guide students in elaborating their thoughts and new knowledge
• promote students to evaluate their knowledge through planned activities

Benefits...

• students are active participants
• promotes collaboration
• develops perseverance
• communication skills
• students become investigators
• students assess themselves

Challenges...

• Students may have difficulty knowing how to assess themselves
• Takes time to get students independent in their abilities to investigate
• Takes planning on teacher's end

Example

Immigration:
Students can study the life of a particular immigrant and find out what about that life was changed through their migration.

Socratic Method

Students

• participate respectfully in open-ended discussions
• develop critical thinking skills
• expand their perspectives on a topic

Teachers...

• create open-ended questions
• begin the discussion, then facilitate the discussion
• help students clarify and elaborate their thoughts
• keep the topic focused

Benefits...

• develop critical-thinking
• support persuasive arguments
• active participants and listeners
• promote respect for different thoughts, values, or ideas

Challenges...

• Shy students will have difficulty participating
• Some students may struggle with the idea of "no right answer"

Example

Immigration:
Students could read about illegal immigration. Then teacher could facilitate the open-ended discussion of illegal immigration. What should be done?