Pedagogical Strategies

Inquiry-based learning (IBL) is a pedagocial method that encourages active learning and critical thinking through investigation (Mulholland, 2019). Labs, discussions, debates, and projects are all methods that are encouraged in inquiry.

There are four different types of inquiry (Mulholland, 2019):

1. Confirmation Inquiry

Here students confirm a concept through an activity where results are known in advance

2. Structured Inquiry

Students investigate a question the teacher has presented through a outlined procedure

3. Guided Inquiry

Students investigate a question using student designed or selected procedures

4. Open Inquiry

Students investigate a questions they created through student designed or selected procedures

Problem-based learning (PBL) is another students-centred approach, where the teacher presents a unsovled, real-world problem that students are to investigate. PBL can be categorized as a type of guided inquiry (Mulholland, 2019). It motivates students and maximizes learning through the use of investigation, explanation, and resolution of real world issues. Like IBL, this encourages development of real-world skills and critical thinking (Mulholland, 2019).

Here are some learning apps//tools/websites that provide PBL (Lynch, 2017).

1. Educurious

Educurious is a website with supplemental apps that aims to turn students into “developing experts” by connecting them with real-world mentors. The site includes Common Core aligned curriculum that works to include 21^st century technology, problem based learning skills, and connections with experts.

2. NewsELA

Newsela is an incredible website that offers news articles from several major publications in several different reading levels. It works well with encouraging students to think critically and ask meaningful questions about the world around them. Plus, it features articles on all different subjects, such as science, math, and history.

3. Padlet

When students are engaged in collaborative work, Padlet is a great tool for the classroom. It works as an online bulletin board where students can post ideas, images, videos, and more. With problem based learning, Padlet works as an excellent starting point where students can post research questions and post the answers they find as they research.

4. Problem Based Learning Experience

This unique app features a collection of starter questions to help students and teachers begin problem based learning activities. Each starter question also contains links to other resources to help students work to solve the problem in a real-world way.

5. Project Foundry

Project Foundry is a popular learning tool that enables students to plan their own learning and track their progress. It also makes organizing student projects much easier for students and teachers. Schools also love that Project Foundry gives students the chance to build digital portfolios – a necessary skill in today’s evolving technological culture.

6. TED Ed

TED Ed is a fantastic resource for helping students gain insights into real-world problems. The site’s collection of engaging videos works well to inspire students to want to learn more and take the initiative – both are components necessary for problem based learning.

7. The Knowledge Compass

The Knowledge Compass is a wonderful way to help students formulate questions and begin the research process. The website provides several different types of questions to help students ask the right questions to guide their research.