5 types of Pedagogical Approaches and their use in CMS

In this post, five types of pedagogical approaches will be analyzed with covering the information how can each pedagogical approach be supported in a CMS. Namely, five pedagogical approaches chosen for this post are:

• Problem-Based Learning
• Workplace Learning
• Collaborative Learning
• Inquiry Learning
• Project Based Learning

Problem-Based Learning:

Problem Based Learning (PBL) is one of the pedagogical approaches that encourage the leaner to learn through the structured investigation of a scientific problem. The learner studies in small self-directed teams to define, perform, and reflect upon a research task which can be a ‘real-life’ problem. The tutor acts as a facilitator and resource person from whom the learner can take advice or guidance. With this approach, the learner is able to develop problem-solving skills by being active in the solving this scientific problem. The problems given to the learner is ill-defined with many potential solutions.

Course Management Systems can structure tools for knowledge manipulation and experimentation that supports problem solving in context. Blackboard application can be an example in which Problem Based Learning approach used. Blackboard has such applications as Forum which allows the learners to communicate, or ability of sharing the documents) therefore Blackboard provides tools that support problem solving.


Workplace Learning:

The Australian National Training Authority (ANTA 2002a) defines workplace learning as learning or training undertaken in the workplace. Therefore, workspace learning should provide the skills guiding to the capacity to innovate. Supporting and valuing the learning in the workplace is important because continuing learning is needed to continue to exist in a time of increasing competition.

Online and blended delivery of training and professional development is an important feature of the workplace. Blackboard can be an example of Workspace Learning environments because it provides students with an environment in which students can take peer opinions on a same subject. In the Blackboard workplace, the students can share their works which can be another example of providing students with workplace.

Collaborative Learning:

Collaborative Learning is grouping or sharing the learners for the purpose of achieving a learning goal. The learners who are at different performance levels can work together in small groups or in pairs in order to succeed a common goal. In this approach, the learners are responsible of others work as well as their own. Therefore, the success of one learner can help the other learners to be successful as well.
The tools in a CMS that enable collaborative learning include discussion forums, file exchange where students can share the contents of their personal folders with other students, and real-time chat. Some examples of course management systems that include collaborative learning opportunities include:
• Blackboard
• Moodle

In these environments, the learners can work collaboratively to achieve the common goal. These platforms enable the high-achievers and low-achievers to work collaboratively.

Inquiry Learning

In Inquiry Learning, the learners are responsible for determining what they need to learn, identifying resources and how best to learn from them, using resources and reporting their learning, assessing their progress in learning. There is a real-life related main question and sub questions posted by the teacher. The learners choose a topic, a problem related to the topic and to solve the problem they choose a method. As group, the learners state a hypothesis and make their own conclusions and make a reflection about what they have learnt from the topic.
Blackboards can be used as an example for Inquiry Learning in CMS. In Blackboard, the learners are able to reach provided by the teacher. With Blackboard, the students can work collaboratively while reaching the lecture notes, forums, and chatting on a subject posted by the teacher. The learner is given the chance of the selection of sources that seem to attractive to them. Therefore, the learners can inquiry the source that seems to related to his or her study.


Project Based Learning

Project Based Learning is "Real" world oriented and learning has value beyond the demonstrated capability of the learner. This approach encourages the learner to use higher order thinking skills and learn concepts with basic facts. The learner need to know concepts that they must learn, understand, and apply in order to complete the project. The teacher is a facilitator in this approach and student’s self-assessment is encouraged.

An important aim of Project Bases Learning is to incorporate technology into projects. At the university level, the learners can make hypotheses, collect and analyze data, and draw conclusions all from the research. CMS can allow the teacher to outline the research of the student to make conclusions for instructional purposes.

Conclusion:

There are different kinds of pedagogical approaches and 5 types of them summarized with the information about their use in CMSs in that post. On some settings only one approach can be used while there can be a combination of them as well. While applying pedagogical approaches in CMS and e-learning environments, it should be carefully chosen.

References:

Reeves, T. C. (1994). Evaluating What Really Matters In Computer-Based Education. In: M. Wild & D. Kirkpatrick (Eds.), Computer Education: New perspectives, pp. 219-246.
http://zone.ni.com/devzone/cda/tut/p/id/9394
http://www.educause.edu/EDUCAUSE+Review/EDUCAUSEReviewMagazineVolume40/FromCourseManagementtoCurricul/157977