When I first read this approach, I was overwhelmed. The examples on papers look like well-designed software that was sold for teachers, I really doubt that I can do the same product as they did. Besides, those systems in the papers seem to have many experts work in one scenario, how can I have others to work for my classroom? However, after thinking over and over again to search for the possibility in my classroom, I came up with an idea that is co-teaching with other teachers probably in my own school, that way, we can all provide our expertise in the same subject but different subtopics in the task. Also, it will make the designing process of this approach easier when having other teachers involved.
I really like the idea of learning by doing, I agree with that students will retain more skills and be more motivated by this approach than traditional lecture way. I like its flexibility to be used for individual learners as well as group learners. And it combines lots of approaches that we’ve learned so far, for instance, when the mission is completed by one student, its self-paced learning characteristic reminds me of PSI; when it’s completed by a group, it is similar to situated learning and PBL, which makes the mission more plausible to me. But exactly because it’s more complicated just like the real life situation, there are so many things need to be planed and lots of information need to be provided by teacher. It can be intimidating for a teacher to do all these for one course plus other schoolwork. So as I mentioned earlier, I think working within a group of teacher can solve this problem, and teachers can learn from each other as well! Also, after seeing the “Moving Day” example of Dr. Oliver’s former student, I think all these can be designed in a simpler way on a teacher-made website. Although the website still needs lots of planning, but I think it at least looks not so intimidating as the software in the readings.
I haven’t come up a concrete plan for this approach but I would keep thinking to make it feasible to my future classroom. I think that many existing websites can be used for this approach for multimedia access such as videos and hyperlinks, etc. I believe that this will be a great learning experience for students as well as teachers.
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Hi Miya,
ReplyDeleteGreat idea about co-teaching. The goal-based scenario model is great, but definitely time consuming and like you said, it can be very intimidating for one teacher trying to do that plus everything else. Hmmm... we have learned all about teaching student groups, why not teach with "groups of teachers". I think you are on to something good.
Mary Ellen
How cool! Miya - you helped me shift a bit in my perspective on GBS... co-teaching... I love it! It definitely would take some of the burden off of the teacher. And, you're right! We are experts!
ReplyDeleteGreat idea!
I agree that it seems like an overwhelming task to design and implement such a GBS learning opportunity. When is there time? How can we make it line up with what we have to teach? What will the principal have to say about it? I think that a great job might be designing these learning modules based on your state's standards and selling them! Gather successful examples from teachers who use the plan and market the heck out of it! Hey, maybe we could make a GBS out of this example!!
ReplyDeleteI agree that this approach could be overwhelming for a teacher. It does require a lot of planning, research, planning for when things dont go the right way. Working with other teachers is definately a good idea. Teachers at my school collaborate with their grade level in areas like this and seem to have a lot of success when they work together.
ReplyDeleteElizabeth
Miya,
ReplyDeleteLiked your idea of co-teaching. It is very true that task and logistics involved in implementing a successful PBS are overwhelming and your solution on this is correct. We can have a group of teacher involved in such implementation. GBS, as it provides real life experience is a great approach.
Dipali
Miya,
ReplyDeleteI agree that some of the modules seemed a bit overwhelming. Co-teaching may be a key to making it work well. I was writing on my blog posts about biology class frog dissections being built around GBS. Then I thought about the time to do this going from just a one-day dissection to a 2 or 3 day lesson. It may be best to get another teacher of some sort to join in on that type of lesson.