Assingment 2: Pedagogical Approaches

In lecture 2 we talked about pedagogical approach. In groups we search for information about one approach. Then we presented the approach on a sheet to the rest of the students. With this information and some articles I explain 5 approaches. In the conclusion I explain my preference.

Traditional learning:

When we think of traditional learning, we think that it’s an approach that’s old fashion. But the true is that in most classes the way of teaching is still traditional. A teacher explains the learners about the content of the lessons. He may even give a lecture and then explains the assignment.
When we look at blackboard, we can see a traditional approach. Teachers post assignments and lectures. Students can look at it, but there is no communication.

Collaborative learning:
A collaborative way of learning is working in groups. The groups must complete a task. The activities can be flexible and open. It’s a way to share knowledge and responsibility.
At blackboard it’s easy to work and to negotiate with your co-students. Unfortunately students don’t use that kind of way to discuss. Most students communicate via email or skype. I’ve never used the blackboard to communicate because it’s unclear to me how it works and there are other ways that are not new to me.

Task-oriented learning:

In task-oriented learning a problem or assignment is been presented. This is meaningful to the students. The task can be open or structured. Students must come to a result by doing activities.

In blackboard there is also a sort of task-oriented learning. A teacher can present a assignment on blackboard and students must solve it by doing activities, like searching for information but also practical activities.

Problem-based learning:

In problem-based learning you start with a problem. That problem must be meaningful to the students. Just like task-oriented learning. Students can collaborate to find an solution or an answer. The teacher is a coach and support the students in developing self-directing learning.

In blackboard it’s possible to work with this problem-based approach. Teachers can present a problem on blackboard and students can solve it by collaborate with each other in for example a forum.

Inquiry learning:

Inquiry learning is seeking for information by questioning. A teacher present a question and students will search for information to answer the question. Students have ownership of their learning.
On blackboard it’s also searching for information. Where can I find lectures and where can I find assignments. When we started with blackboard I had no idea about how it works. I just found out by doing it. Off course a teacher is there to support.

Conclusion: By looking at these approaches I must say that many approaches have similarities. Like problem-based and task-oriented. They started with a problem. Also many approaches have a way of working together. My preference goes to problem-based learning, because the importance of a meaningful context. Also I like the idea of a teacher as coach. The problem-based learning approach is also very clear to me. Although I like the problem-based approach I think a combination of all approaches is also a very nice. All approaches have something I like.