This post fits more in the "Other Mysteries..." category. I'm going to tell you about a teaching strategy called Problem Based Learning. I hope you will give it a try!
Problem Based Learning (PBL) is a great way to motivate and engage your kiddos. First, divide them into groups and give them a multi-faceted (OK-messy) problem that doesn't have just one answer. This is called "Meeting the Problem", which is the first step. Next, students brainstorm what they know about the subject and what they need to know in order to solve the problem (Step 2 -" Know/Need to Know"). Then they "Define the Problem" (Step 3): rephrase it or state it in their own words. Next they "Gather Information" (Step 4) to help them solve the problem. This can be done by internet research, field trips, personal interviews, etc. They then propose a solution ("Solve the Problem" - Step 5), explain their reasoning (why they chose that solution) and list pros and cons. Finally, the class votes for the best solution.
Last spring, I gave my class a problem stating that beavers were moving in to our area and farmers were afraid that they would cause problems for them. The kids had to find out what kind of problems the beavers might cause and what could be done about it. We took a field trip and looked for beaver signs. We had a speaker from SIU come to teach them general beaver information. The kids searched the web for information and possible solutions. They were on task and motivated. Finally, they shared their solutions: from painting the trees with hot sauce to putting fencing around the trees to planting trees that the beavers don't like so that they would move somewhere else. One group proposed building a beaver dome, catching all the beavers in the area, and charging admission to come view the beavers. That group was so proud of themselves for thinking out of the box that I let them keep it as their solution. After all, they're nine years old! They were really disappointed that the beaver dome wasn't chosen as the best solution!
A PBL unit could last from a week to a month or longer, depending on how engaged your students are and how much time you have. Solutions could be presented with posters (my pick) or projects from web pages to pamphlets to mock TV or radio shows. Let them be creative!
Possible Problems:
The flowers in the principal's garden aren't growing well. What could be wrong and what can she do to help them grow?
Kids in our school keep getting sick! Why and what can be done about it?
In the cafeteria, a large amount of food is thrown away. Why and how can we change this?
The bee population in America is shrinking. Why are bees important and why is this happening? What can we do about it?
You get the idea. The beauty and importance of PBL is the process that the kids go through and the learning and thinking that takes place, NOT the solution. In this case, the means is much more important than the end!
