EDG4376 Reflection #17

In problem-based learning, students usually work in collaborative groups, and some typical activities include question generating, story creation, case reasoning, reason analysis, and concept mapping. Since problem-based learning is based on the Constructivist ideologies of John Dewey and Lev Vygotsky, the teacher usually acts as a facilitator throughout the lesson after he or she presents the students with a problem. Therefore, in creating my own lesson and unit plans that focus on problem-based learning, I would most likely utilize a Constructivist lesson/unit plan format.
Inquiry-based learning strategies require students to learn based on their effective questioning skills and techniques. Again, students work in cooperative groups in order to solve problems, and the teacher’s main purpose is to guide them along. Inquiry-based learning pushes students to develop experimental and analytical skills, and they become scientists in the classroom by conducting extensive research. In creating my own lesson and unit plans for inquiry-based learning, again, I would probably use a Constructivist format. Most likely, I would attempt to present my students with a real life situation or problem that they will be motivated to solve because of its validity.
A WebQuest format is similar to problem-based learning and inquiry-based learning in that students are required to construct their own individual knowledge on whatever subject matter they are currently focusing on. The only difference is that just about all the information used by students comes from the World Wide Web. Personally, I think the WebQuest format is particularly useful in today’s classrooms. It is imperative that young people become proficient in using computers and the internet, and the integration of technology in lesson/unit planning can only make learning and research more effective and efficient. In my classroom, I hope to have a plethora of computers with internet access available to my students, and I will definitely make use of them on a regular basis. Most likely, I will incorporate the WebQuest format and internet–based lesson and unit plans at least two to three times a week.