Taking the Load Off a Learner Mind
This article discusses how many learning styles are moving towards more problem, goal based real life learning rather than more abstract concepts. The article also looks at the other side of the issue, thought, admitting that while this does seem to lend more credibility to the idea of ‘why do I have to learn this,’ it also tends to leave more learners behind as they feel overwhelmed by the amount of information they are expected to sift through, seemingly on their own, with little background or help moving forward. Because of this, they discuss techniques like scaffolding and sequencing in the learning models. It allows the learners to receive more guidance and help on the important parts of the task as they move forward through the project, allowing them to ask questions and get more information as they stumble their way through the process.
I wholeheartedly agree with this article. In my own classroom, we do a lot of project learning, not very many tests. I have never given my students a project with no background and just told them to go. There is always a chance for them to ask questions and get help. It seems irresponsible to me to give students the bare amount of information and then expect them to succeed.
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