Problem-based learning and inquiry learning are two amazing pedagogical tools to use in the classroom. Particularly in a social studies classroom, it is hard to get away from taking notes and presenting information, but as innovative educators we need to spend more time integrating this style of instruction and get students to start "doing social studies"! While we do need to present information to students in history classes, it is time we get away from the older style of teacher-centered instruction and put students in charge of their learning and motivate them to take responsibility, conduct research and apply knowledge to find a solution or answer to a problem. I have personally been exposed to this type of learning in a STEM school, and have implemented lessons where students are given the problem of the Black Death, for example, and given evidence such as a map, primary source letter, trade routes, etc and were challenged to find the reason for the spread of this devastating plague. Students were engaged in visiting the "exhibits" set up around the room and were busily working in cooperative groups to sort through the information and test possible answers against the evidence.
Podcasts are also a great tool to use in the classroom as well. As teachers, we can make podcasts to leave for a substitute to set them up for a day in our classroom. We can also use podcasts in communicating with parents for reflection after big projects or assessments, for example, and keep parents engaged in what is going on with their child's education.
Podcasts are also a great tool to use in the classroom as well. As teachers, we can make podcasts to leave for a substitute to set them up for a day in our classroom. We can also use podcasts in communicating with parents for reflection after big projects or assessments, for example, and keep parents engaged in what is going on with their child's education.
inquiry_based_learing_podcast.m4a |