Saturday, 9 November 2013

Project Based learning and Web Quests

'Research is creating new knowledge.' Neil Armstrong

There are some times in my life when I wish I had the time machine of H.G.Wells so that I could go back in time and see where I was and where I am now. I do feel the same today. If only I had this time machine to just go some weeks back to then reflect upon my teaching:seeing where I stand now, with all the tools that I have been provided with in order to improve my teaching and consequently the learning of my students.

Indeed, these 5 weeks have gone by at the speed of lightning. The remaining weeks will also be covered in no time. I juggled between by commitments at school (thankfully school is over for this year so I can devote more time to the course), my commitments at home and the tasks to be submitted. But, I try to find the time though. I finally realize that if I take pleasure in what I am doing, if I take pleasure in what I am learning, the task lying ahead of me is finally not a major obstacle. 

This week's Web Quest and PBL sparked off a new interest in me as to the new tools which will encourage the students to actively participate in their own learning. The students will not gather much if they are passive participants in the learning process. I consider a Web Quest finally as detective work where the students will be given the opportunity to solve the mystery put ahead by the teacher. 
Our students are students of the 21st century, so let us also be teachers of the 21st century. If traditional methods of teaching no longer work so well with them, let us adapt and bring ourselves down to their level. Let us win over them using the tools that form an integral part of their life. 
Our small island is a multiracial community. Our ancestors came from Africa, Asia and Europe mainly. We are rich in festivals, in cultural diversity; we have a varied cuisine, succulent seasonal fruits all year long, large expanse of turquoise seas with golden sand. So, why don't I seize this marvelous chance that I have and make my students develop a project based on these wealthy opportunities that we have? As Susan Gaer mentions, PBL provides ways to help students develop their language skills while conducting a meaningful project. My students will hopefully benefit much from PBL if I give them the chance to work on a project which they feel at ease with, which is close to their beliefs and values, in other words, which is Mauritian-based.    Mauritius Beach

By taking this course, I realize that we are still learners and whatever we are assimilating during these weeks will be of benefit not only to us, but to those whom we have the responsibility of teaching.
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2 comments:

  1. Unknown9 November 2013 at 04:20

    Hi Jennifer,

    I fully agree with your views on Web Quest and PBL. With the world moving towards technology, we teachers need to move with time too, and satisfy the needs of our students. I like your expression that web quest is like a detective, where students have the opportunity of solving a mystery set by the teacher.

    I always believe that, if we as teachers stop learning, we stop being teachers. This course is a great learning experience for all of us.

    Happy learning,
    Paramita

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  2. Unknown12 November 2013 at 16:45

    I LOVE how you refer to Webquest as a detective work! What a great analogy! Also, I think it's a wonderful idea to have students explore more about their own culture and the opportunities that it brings. I only wish I could come there and witness all that your beautiful country has to offer for myself.

    It sounds like week 5 was enlightening for you. You learned a lot about PBL and the possibilities with Webquests, as well as rubrics. Thanks for TWO great weekly reflections!

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