Problem- Based Learning:
This is different than solving a problem as we all are used to. Problem based learning is when we are given a question/problem that doesn't necesarily have one answer. It promotes more creativity and inquiry. It allows the students to collaborate, learn from each other, and find unique solutions. It is similar to Project Based Learning with what it brings to the classroom atmosphere and a more student centered classroom, however Project Based Learning is usually much larger and not one problem. We do this occasionally in the Physics classes but not as often as Project-based Learning.
In our class we learn problems by doing them at first together. I will start the problem on the white board and have students join in based on hints and other small questions I ask within the larger problem. The students seem to learn from going through an example problem of each type of problem, and then getting other practice problems to make sure they can do it on their own. At first they will collaborate with other students during these sessions but then they will understanding it to a level that they can succeed.
Project- Based Learning:
This is different than a typical project that we are used to at the end of a unit, chapter, or quarter. Project- Based learning is not to prove how much you have learned so far from the teacher, but to collaborate and be more hands on to create something and stimulate creative and build more knowledge on a topic that wasn't explored too much yet in the classroom. We do a lot of project based learning in Physics (both honors and AP.) We create Newton's Cradles in groups during the momentum/energy unit. Students were given the challenge to try to create and build the best Newton's Cradle in the class. They worked in small groups. Students learned using textbooks, online resources, and videos of what factors are important in a Newton's Cradle. I supplied the materials, but they were also allowed to bring in materials if they wanted to experiment and try other building tools.
Along with Project- Based Learning, we also do labs in the classroom. The labs usually are more guided and have more instructions than the Project- Based Learning style. The labs have specific measurements and data that needs to be collected to reach the conclusion I am hoping the students can reach.
Inquiry- Based Learning:
This type of learning is different than a teacher lecturer and feeding the students the answers and knowledge immediatly. It encourages students to try to find the knowledge through inquiry. Students will explore, investigate, ask questions, and make discoveries on their own and together through this type of learning. Both project based learning and problem- base learning are forms of inquiry-based learning. We learn this way in class through labs. Students are hands on and collect data which helps them explore different topics and understand what these numbers stand for! For example we learn about forces during the dynamics unit and Newton's Law. The unit for force is a Newton. Many students ask me what a Newton is, I told them its 2.2 lbs., or 1 kilogram is equal to 9.8 N. I brought in a toy apple that is exactly 1 Newton. They had to use the apple to find the acceleration of gravity. They created the experiment by re-doing the idea of Newton watching an apple drop from a tree and discovering gravity. They used anything they wanted in the room: meter sticks, timers, and anything else they found useful. The students found on their own that the apple of 1 N was accelerating at 9.8 m/s/s from no matter what height the dropped it from! They found the acceleration of gravity and discovered it in our classroom, rather than me telling them the facts.
Similarities:
- Student centered classroom
- Promote Creativity
- Collaboration
- Posing questions
- Inquiry
- Support Common Core Standards
Differences:
Problem- Based Learning --> Find/ Create a Solution
Project- Based Learning --> Create a Project with Solutions
Inquiry- Based Learning --> Finding knowledge and understanding