Problem-based learning is a set of teaching models that uses problems as the focus for developing problem-solving skills, content, and self-regulation.
LESSON PLANS AND REFLECTIONS
The first lesson that I found that matches problem-based learning was a lesson on measurement, graphing, and creating art for a paper airplane. I thought that this was a great lesson that kept students engaged in learning, and it covered content across a variety of subjects. The student had prior knowledge about measurement and airplanes. All the students were given 20 minutes and the same materials to build a paper airplane. Once they built their plane and decorated it how they wished, the teacher took them into the hallway and had a flight contest. The students complied the distance of each plane then decided with way was best to graph the information. This lesson plan follows problem-based learning fairly well, and I want to use this lesson in my future classroom. This is overall one of the best lesson plan and activity that I have found.
The second lesson plan that I found for problem-based learning was a lesson on acids and bases. This lesson was strong because it is a hands on activity, and I believe that when a child can see something happening then they can make a connection with what they learned. During this lesson the students watched what happened to red cabbage juice when it was put into a container with baking soda and a container with vinegar. This lesson deviated from problem-based learning slightly, and was similar to the inquiry model. If I were to use this lesson in my classroom I would have the experiment set up in 3-4 groups, depending on the class size, and let the students do the experiment instead of them watching and observing me do it for them. |
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REFLECTION ON IN-CLASS PRESENTATION
Elementary Problem-Based Implementation
- I think that the group had a lot of good ideas for their lesson, but with lack of planning some of the ideas did not turn out like they were suppose to. I liked how the group had different stations set up around the room allowing the students to see the different types of heat conduction; however there was a lack of classroom management the students began to get out of control. The student teachers did follow the model fairly well, but they needed more planning.