PROBLEM-BASED LEARNING
"Problem-oriented approaches to teaching and learning focus on the application of curricular objectives to real-world problems and issues. The general principles underlying PBL are present in many different approaches. Some prefer the term 'problem-oriented learning' as an 'umbrella term' but, in essence, all the approaches named use student questions and interests in real-world issues to engage learners in learning that is contextualized and meaningful." EPSE 408 Module 9
A tentative try at:
Project-Base Learning and The Hobbit
HOW CAN WE UNDERSTAND THE TERM "QUEST" IN RELATION TO THE LIVES AND MISSION OF BILBO AND HIS DWARF COMPANIONS? What place does fantasy have in our lives?
In collaboration with art talented students and myself, we came up with five different projects. They involved reader’s theater, clay creations of characters, game boards, topical maps of Middle Earth, and 12 charcoal sketches of scenes for a calendar. All of these were wide open for interpretation. The students then used their knowledge of the story and their creativity to produce wonderful products. To my amazement, they did not always choose a product that reflected their talent.
Project-Base Learning and The Hobbit
HOW CAN WE UNDERSTAND THE TERM "QUEST" IN RELATION TO THE LIVES AND MISSION OF BILBO AND HIS DWARF COMPANIONS? What place does fantasy have in our lives?
In collaboration with art talented students and myself, we came up with five different projects. They involved reader’s theater, clay creations of characters, game boards, topical maps of Middle Earth, and 12 charcoal sketches of scenes for a calendar. All of these were wide open for interpretation. The students then used their knowledge of the story and their creativity to produce wonderful products. To my amazement, they did not always choose a product that reflected their talent.
With their joy for learning and inquisitiveness some of them chose to create in non- talented areas. A super experience! Everybody wanted to also make something out of clay. With such little time left we all made hobbits feet candlesticks (open to interpretation of course). We then planned an evening with parents. We enjoyed a Hobbit meal, reader’s theater, displayed our products and then went on a Hobbit walk through a forest in the dark for one hour using only candlesticks. This was to recreate the experience of walking through Mirkwood. It was a wonderful experience!
"How can education be even more relevant in the 21st century? As we focus on divergent questioning, critical thinking skills and project based learning under the umbrella of the big questions, we will be making learning more applicable to real life and also meet the needs of students at the level they are at. Who knows what new and creative ways are in store for us in the future?"