Throughout the process of completing the problem ID assignment, I found an array of interesting information along with many real life examples that proved that these methods can work in high school classrooms. It was interesting also to read about other subjects that I do not teach such as Economics and Math and how these would apply in those fields of study. I found both problem-based learning and inquiry-based learning to be effective and innovative practices in teaching. Both seem to give students real life skills which makes learning more authentic.
I also enjoyed beginning to use these ideas in my classroom. The Sophomores had a great conversation about The Great Gatsby using quality question stems which led to us transferring knowledge of the text to making comparisons to the West Egg and East Egg of Birmingham, reading and listening to the lyrics of "Empire State of Mind," and character analysis of many characters who up until this conversation many of the students did not connect to. I was also extremely proud when one student remarked confidently after discussing the character of Tom Buchanan that hitting a woman was never right. We did a similar "seminar" style in studying for nine weeks test, and they did so well with creating questions that I used some of their questions on the actual exam.
At first, inquiry can be uncomfortable. I was a little upset at how absent the sense of wonder seemed to be when I asked the students to ask questions. However, once they saw their work being included authentically, the questions and discussion were amazing.
I will also never forget Myca's version of "In Newww Yorkkkk."
"The hunger and thirst for knowledge, the keen delight in the chase, the good humored willingness to admit that the scent was false, the eager desire to get on with the work, the cheerful resolution to go back and begin again, the broad good sense, the unaffected modesty, the imperturbable temper, the gratitude for any little help that was given - all these will remain in my memory though I cannot paint them for others." Frederic William Maitland
It is exciting to see your use of inquiry-based learning having such a positive impact on your students. It seems as if they are beginning to "own" what they read. By helping them connect major themes in the Great Gatsby to things with which they are familiar, you are helping them make this book become "real," rather than something written by someone who has been dead for many, many years.
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing and for your hard work to make this happen for your students.
Thank you Cathy!
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