We had a Padlet task at the beginning of the lesson. This structure follows Kolb's experiental learning method. In the Padlet task we had questions on the Padlet wall, which is a web-based inquiry teaching method.
We had two other padlet tasks at the end. In the first task the students had to search for information on the Internet and present it. This is called problem-based learning. In the second task all the three groups used the same padlet wall. We also had a discussion questions at the end, for example we asked whether they think they could apply the taught principles as teacher. I think all our tasks are useful also in real life teaching. For example, presentations given by students are important part of studying my subjects, which are communication and business administration. Basically every course should include a presentation where students can share their knowledge and findings and this way learn from each other.
Planning the teaching session went fine. We changed our plans, when we were in the middle of the planning process. We had originally planned to emphasize Kolb's theory, but then we noticed that one other group had Kolb as its topic, so we decided to concentrate more on progressing inquiry.
Source for the teaching methods:
Olli Hyppönen and Satu Lindén. 2009. HANDBOOK FOR TEACHERS – COURSE STRUCTURES, TEACHING METHODS AND ASSESSMENT
Here are the short descriptions of two theories of the day:
1.1 Kolb's Experiental Learning
Experiential learning is the process of making meaning from direct experience, shortly said "learning from experience". Experiential activities are among the most powerful teaching and learning tools available. Experiential learning actively involves the learner in a concrete experience.
Kolb's cycle of experiential learning consists of four steps of learning. Kolb created his famous model out of four elements: concrete experience, observation and reflection, the formation of abstract concepts and testing in new situations. He represented these in the famous experiential learning circle.
The learning cycle can begin at any one of the four points. However, it is suggested that the learning process often begins with a person carrying out a particular action and then seeing the effect of the action in this situation. Following this, the second step is to understand these effects in the particular instance so that if the same action was taken in the same circumstances it would be possible to anticipate what would follow from the action. In this pattern the third step would be understanding the general principle under which the particular instance falls.
Two aspects can be seen as especially noteworthy: the use of concrete, ‘here-and-now’ experience to test ideas; and use of feedback to change practices and theories.
The usual college education consists of observation and the formation of abstract concepts. This style never goes around the entire cycle. Thus students are seldom motivated and seldom have the opportunity to do it themselves. This style reduces long-term learning and does not satisfy the favorite learning style of many students. Requiring more active involvement by students increases learning because additional stages in the learning cycle are used.
I found Kolb's experiental learning very useful learning method. It consist of different phases, and thus I think it suits for every learner at least partly.
Sources:
- Teaching engineering, chapter 15
- http://infed.org/mobi/david-a-kolb-on-experiential-learning/
- http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Experiential_learning
1.2 Progressive Inquiry
Progressive inquiry is a method that imitates the practices of scientific research communities. Students are guided to set up their own research questions and working theories. The phases of the process are the following:
- Setting up the Context
- Presenting Research Problems
- Creating Working Theories
- Critical Evaluation
- Searching Deepening Knowledge
- Developing Deepening Problems
- Distributed Expertise: All aspects of inquiry are to be shared with other students.
Source: http://www.helsinki.fi/science/networkedlearning/eng/delete.html#pi
1.3 The other groups
The group Dewey: What is learning? What kinds of views or theories of learning are there?
Howard Gardner:
Multiple Intelligences
Gardner has named eight (later possibly nine) different intelligences that are:
- musical-rhythmic
- visual-spatial
- verbal-linguistic
- logical-mathematical
- bodily-kinesthetic
- interpersonal
- intrapersonal
- naturalistic
- later also existential-moral.
Kolb: Experimental learning
1. Concrete experience (DO)
2. Observation and reflection (ORSERVE)
3. Forming abstract concepts (THINK)
4. Testing in new situations (PLAN)
Maslow's hierarchy of needs
The higher up in the hierarchy a student is, the better the motivation and therefore the better possibilities for learning.
The group Freire: The Learning Pyramid
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