Project Based Learning with Ellen Smith

       On day one, I came into this course believing that inquiry based learning was a component of project based learning. Students would begin with a question and work toward a solution.    Plain and simple. After reading and investigating over the weeks, I have learned that there is much more to inquiry based learning than meets the eye.      Students should view the process of answering questions and learning exciting.   Teachers need to make it appear interesting by showing enthusiasm and encouraging thinking outside of the box, a sense of comfort and community in learning, the acceptance as mistakes and risk during investigation, and promote investigating beyond a single direction or path.     One of the most important things that I realized is that it is not about the outcome. It is about the process.  All of the “things” that go into finding a solution. The components to taking part in an investigatio...

       Over the past weeks, I have learned that inquiry based learning is a complex experience involving the development of a question, the full investigation process, and a clear presentation of the answers with evidence.   This week, we took this concept one step further and reviewed the 5E Instructional Model.   This Model was constructed by the Biological Science Curriculum Study.  This model has proven to enhance student learning of fundamental concepts when used in the classroom.  The model consists of five phases: engagement, exploration, explanation, elaboration, and evaluation (Wilkes University, EDIM 513, Unit 6, Topic B, n.d.).        The engagement phase allows the teacher to assess prior knowledge and preconceptions as well as spark interest in the lesson or unit.   During the exploration phase, teachers present the students with ways to investigate their questions and the topic.   They c...