I would personally maybe attempt this a few times during a month in the classroom, but not on an every week basis. I think that some students would not be motivated to take the time to watch videos and read information on their own. I would probably share the "cover story" video to the whole class and have a discussion, and then have them break up into small groups and talk about what they could do in the scenario presented. I think they could even do a think pair share type thing where they think about consequences, discuss them with a group, and then share them when presenting what they would do in the certain scenario.
I think there are several simulations and webquests online that seem like they would fit under the "Goal-Based Scenario" theory. I think the more interactive the better. I think teachers could use Windows MovieMaker, or iMovie to make movies to add in their "simulations." Also, teachers can add in comic strips by using programs such as Bitstrip. I think anything to make the learning more interactive for the student would be beneficial.
Catherine, you bring up some good points. To make goal based learning modules that are interesting to the students, will take lots of design and development time. I can see this being challenging in elementary schools, where teacher can be assigned to different grade levels each year by the administration. I also agree with you on the effects of the amount of reading involved in the GBL modules. I feel a GBL module needs both visual and auditory features for them to hold the student's attention.
ReplyDeleteI echo Mike's comments, the time involved in creating such an approach is prohibitive, which is why teachers typically pursue the path of least resistance: viz., "chalk and talk."
ReplyDeleteI just thought of a "yin" to this "yang." Suppose a teacher of, say, World Geography, were to use GBLS. The class has a wonderful time. So off they go to their next classes in Spanish, Mathematics, what have you. No creativity in those classes, same Little House on the Prairie mentality. Am wondering how the students will react to their return to the norm. Possibly a greater letdown than there would have been if the World Geography teacher had done his/her job and been traditional (read "mindnumbingly boring), huh?
While reading the various blogs, we all seem to have a common concern...lack of planning time to effectively execute these activities aligned with GBL. I value your thoughts on the important component of reading. Not all students are literate, so there would definitely be the need for accommodations.
ReplyDeleteI agree with your thoughts on keeping the attention of the students by offering a rich media approach. I'm challenged to think about how simulations could be pre-planned, but still offer enough variety so they don't give off that 'canned' feedback feeling.
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