ChallengeBased Learning Presented by William De Cotiis and
Challenge-Based Learning Presented by William De. Cotiis and Rezina Brutus-Foulkes, Seton Hall University Key Elements The big idea triggers a cascade of student driven activities. These concepts such as Sustainability, Violence, Peace, and Power, can be explored in multiple engaging ways. Students generate a variety of questions from which to approach the issue. Essential questions reflect student interests as well as community needs which are then narrowed down to a single “essential question”. Guiding questions created by the students identify the foundational knowledge necessary to solve the problem identified. The challenge identified by the students is undertaken once a fundamental understanding of the guiding questions has been reached. The solution to the challenge must be “thoughtful, concrete, clearly articulated and actionable”. The solution is implemented in a real life setting. Where it is evaluated by students on the basis of qualitative and quantitative assessment. Throughout each stage of the process students utilize technology to document and publish their experience. The Challenges A New Learning Method Challenge Based Learning is a new multidisciplinary approach to education created by Apple Inc. Integrating technology with student driven-activity, the program engages students through attempts to implement real-world solutions to community relevant problems. Who is doing it? Initially piloted for students K– 12, challenge-based learning has been increasingly used in higher education because of the continued success it has experienced since its inception. As of January 2011, nineteen schools and universities are currently engaged in implementing the program to varying degrees. Challenge Based Learning poses some difficulties for educators such as: ü Teachers must step away from their authoritative role ü Students must be allowed to lead discussions and discover and correct their own mistakes ü Creates a heavier time commitment. Study Results According to a study conducted by the New Media Consortium, students reported satisfaction rates of 100% with teachers confirming the success of the program reporting student work that exceeded expectations, engagement of almost every student in the class, as well as noted positive changes in student attitude and behavior. Self-reported student responses further indicated that individuals engaged in the program learned and refined the skills which had been identified by educators as the goal of challenge-based learning. In response to these difficulties, concerns arise such as: ü Will the teacher be able to provide thorough information on raised topics ü Will the teacher have enough experience with new technology ü Will the teacher be able to lead students successfully through community activity involvement experiences. ü Traditional assessment “might prove inappropriate” for assessing challengedbased learning projects. The Benefits Numerous skills are acquired through CBL including, cooperative, professional, organizational, and expressive skills. Understanding that each individual can use their knowledge to give aid to the community creates motivation for developing a stronger educational system. As a result, Challenge based learning will be able to evolve on its own in order to change the realm of education.
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