Double Entry Journal #13

What dominant paradigm is showing signs of wear?
The instructional model of the teacher and the textbook as the primary source of knowledge. (Lecturing, reading, discussion, etc.)
According to research, how does Project-Based Learning support student learning better than traditional approaches?

1. "Studies have shown a positive impact on learning when students participate in lessons that require them to construct and organize knowledge, consider alternatives, engage in detailed research, inquiry, writing, and analysis, and to communicate effectively to audiences" (Newman, 1996). Most people learn to complete a task by physically doing it, therefore learning shouldn't be any different
2. "Generally, research on project-based learning has found that students who engage in this approach benefit from gains in factual learning that are equivalent or superior to those of students who engage in traditional forms of instruction" (Thomas, 2000). It is proven that learning through PBLs is at least equivalent to the standard teacher-textbook approach, in most cases better.
3. "Students who may struggle in traditional instructional settings have often been found to excel when they work in a PBL context" (see, e.g., Boaler, 1997; Meyer, Turner, & Spence, 1997; Rosenfeld & Rosenfeld 1998). I think this could be largely attributed to the growing amount of students with ADD/ADHD. PBLs are a great way to get kids thinking and concentrating harder. 

According to research, how does Problem-Based Learning support student learning better than the traditional approach?

1. Through problem based learning, the students work in small groups to help solve a problem and generate strategies for a solution (Baron; Darling-Hammond). This helps to build their knowledge of subject, as well as social skills. 
2. This method is really beneficial at higher levels of education for putting theory into practice (Baron; Darling-Hammond).
3. "Additional studies have shown students who participated in problem-based experiences are better able to generate accurate hypothesis and coherent explanations (Hmelo, 1998b; Schmist et al., 1996).

According to research, how does Learning by Design support student learning better than the traditional approach?

1. "Design activity supports revisions and iterative activity as students create, assess, and redesign their work product" (Baron; Darling-Hammond). When students have to reevaluate something they have completed, they find their mistakes, make changes, and think deeper. 
2. "Researchers also observed that design activities are particularly good for helping students develop understanding of complex systems, noting that the systems can be presented as a united whole whose structure is adapted to specific purposes" (Perkins, 1986). 
3. One study found that the design project led to better learning outcomes than the traditional approach to instruction (Perkins, 1986).

What are the differences between the three?

Project-Based learning is the most in depth, most time consuming, and most involved in cooperative learning. Problem-Based learning focuses more on smaller groups and a single problem at hand that students are to find a solution to. Then Learning by design is more of a designing your own real life model of something (ie. very hands on).

In your opinion, what is the most important benefit to learning that is common across the three types of inquiry-based approached?

Preparing students for the real world. All the of these approaches seem to really prepare students for what they're going to face in life, and the material is important, but knowing what to do with the information you have is even more important.