PBL: Why?
The Value of Classroom Discussion
The Value of Classroom Discussion
With a 0.82 effect size, a student has the potential of two years academic growth in half the time.
With a 0.82 effect size, a student has the potential of two years academic growth in half the time.
An effect size of 0.40 is what Hattie refers to as a hinge-point regarding what is significantly effective or at “a level where the effects of innovation enhance achievement in such a way that we can notice real-world differences” (Hattie, 2009).
An effect size of 0.40 is what Hattie refers to as a hinge-point regarding what is significantly effective or at “a level where the effects of innovation enhance achievement in such a way that we can notice real-world differences” (Hattie, 2009).
Classroom discussion is another critical area of Hattie’s study with a huge effect size. Classroom discussions provide the opportunity for students to communicate with one another for a variety of functions including to:
Classroom discussion is another critical area of Hattie’s study with a huge effect size. Classroom discussions provide the opportunity for students to communicate with one another for a variety of functions including to:
- Activate prior knowledge
- Explore new topics,
- Learn from others, and
- Demonstrate their learning
This is an engagement strategy which provides all students the chance to participate, especially when structured in a way that extends beyond a teacher-student question and answer sequence.
This is an engagement strategy which provides all students the chance to participate, especially when structured in a way that extends beyond a teacher-student question and answer sequence.
Learning happens on the messy journey from problem to solution. The benefits of engaging, active learning include:
- Open-ended questions or tasks
- Authentic applications of content and skills
- Student independence and inquiry
- More multi-faceted and involved than traditional lessons or assignments
Wrinkly vs Smooth Brain
Wrinkly vs Smooth Brain
Human beings have wrinkly brains, but rats have smooth ones. Wrinkles increases the brain’s surface area for neurons, which is a good thing apparently.
What Kind of Brain Does Your Lesson Fall Into?
What Kind of Brain Does Your Lesson Fall Into?
“Is my lesson wrinkly or smooth, multi-faceted or traditional?” Introduce students to MCEE as a way to externalize their knowledge and information processing. MCEE serves as an excellent way for students to develop future work skills (read the research report)
“Active learning is generally defined as any instructional method that engages students in the learning process.
“Active learning is generally defined as any instructional method that engages students in the learning process.
In short, active learning requires students to do meaningful learning activities and think about what they are doing” (Source).
In short, active learning requires students to do meaningful learning activities and think about what they are doing” (Source).
The main benefit of classroom discussion is that YOU, as the teacher, can use class discussion as a source of data to adapt instruction.
The main benefit of classroom discussion is that YOU, as the teacher, can use class discussion as a source of data to adapt instruction.
Technology Learning Strategy
Technology Learning Strategy
The question is, “How do YOU craft engaging classroom discussions?” that will provide insights into student learning, that will make THEIR thinking visible?
The question is, “How do YOU craft engaging classroom discussions?” that will provide insights into student learning, that will make THEIR thinking visible?
The answer is that you PBL the dickens out of them.
The answer is that you PBL the dickens out of them.
Minecraft is extremely popular with students but how can educators introduce this effectively into the classroom.
Microsoft's Minecraft: Education Edition (MCEE) provides for access to resources.
