Blog Post # 2

For my blog post today I decided to research further into direct instruction, inquiry-based learning and experiential learning.

Direct Instruction:

Firstly starting off with Direct Instruction, it is the method of teaching where the teacher stands at the front of the class and presents information (Renard, 2019). Lessons taught with a method of direct instruction are generally carefully planned and with clearly defined teaching tasks (Engelmann, 2019). In order to make direct instruction effective it is important to follow the six steps of: introduction/review, present new material, guided practice, feedback, independent practice, and evaluation (Renard, 2019). Thinking about my resource project on AAC devices and connecting it to this method of teaching, I think that using direct instruction could be an option for learning for our project. The teacher could start with a review of info that was taught the previous day like AAC functions or types of devices. Then the new material could be introduced like explaining and providing step-by-step on how to use the devices. Following the instruction the learners could have guided practice with the devices with feedback then continue with more independent practice of using them. When first looking at direct instruction I wasn’t sure it was going to be a fit but after my research and seeing the 6 steps I think this method could definitely work if teaching was adjusted slightly within our resources.

Inquiry-Based Learning:

Secondly, going into Inquiry-Based Learning is a method that focuses on the process where learners engage in real-world connections through exploration and inquiry (Main,2021). The method is based on Dewey’s philosophy that “education begins with the curiosity of the learner” (Queens University, 2024). The components that make up inquiry-based learning are observation, question, investigate, conclusion, and discussion (Main,2021). This self-direction can provide success in many post-secondary workplaces and education. The skills learnt through inquiry-based learning include goal setting, time management, information gathering/filtering, critical thinking, communication of ideas/learning and self-reflection (Queens University, 2024).

When looking at this method although I think it is a fabulous method of learning I don’t think it would be the best option for learning about the AAC devices using our learning resource. I think our devices need a little bit of prior knowledge and hands-on experiences to better understand. However, I do think applying this method could work with furthering knowledge and answering further questions after learning about the devices.

Experiential Learning:

Lastly, Experiential Learning, is a method that describes the idea of “learning through experience” (Institute of Experiential Learning, 2024). Experiential education works with the idea that educators engage learners in experience and focused reflection to develop skills, clarify values, increase knowledge and develop people’s capacity to contribute to their communities (Queen’s University, 2019).  Experiential learning is based on the Kolb experiential learning theory developed by David A. Kolb. Kolb describes the learning cycle as experiencing (concrete experience), reflecting (reflection observation), thinking (abstract conceptualization) and acting (active experiment) (Institute of Experiential Learning, 2024). When looking into this method I think this would align very well with our learning resource. Students would be able to use the experiential learning cycle with the AAC devices. They could start with hands-on real-life scenarios on the AAC devices with social interactions or activities then the learners could reflect upon what worked well, and what challenges occurred, allowing for the students to question their experience and reflect. They could then continue into the thinking process of broader thinking in the ideas of after the experience can you understand how the devices are beneficial along with where else then in the classroom could the devices be useful. Lastly, the learner could demonstrate a small presentation of group discussion on what they learned and questioned when experimenting with the device. 

After Group Discussion:

Although there are a few different designs that could work for our project we really focused on how the best learning designs for our project would have to be Cooperative and experiential learning. As the students are getting their hands-on experience and working in pairs or a group.

References:

Engelmann, S. (2019). Basic Philosophy of Direct Instruction (DI). Nifdi.org. https://www.nifdi.org/15/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=52&Itemid=27 

Institute of Experiential Learning. (2024). What Is Experiential Learning? Institute for Experiential Learning. https://experientiallearninginstitute.org/what-is-experiential-learning/ 

Main, P. (2021, November 26). A teacher’s guide to inquiry-based learning. Www.structural-Learning.com. https://www.structural-learning.com/post/a-teachers-guide-to-inquiry-based-learning 

Queen’s University. (2019). What is experiential learning? | queen’s experiential learning hub. Queensu.ca. https://www.queensu.ca/experientiallearninghub/about/what-experiential-learning 

Queens University. (2024). Inquiry-Based Learning | Centre for Teaching and Learning. Www.queensu.ca. https://www.queensu.ca/ctl/resources/instructional-strategies/inquiry-based-learning 

Renard, L. (2019). Direct Instruction – A practical guide to effective teaching. BookWidgets Blog.https://www.bookwidgets.com/blog/2019/03/direct-instruction-a-practical-guide-to-effective-teaching