implementation practices of 4 teachers
DESCRIPTION
Presented at SITE 2012TRANSCRIPT
Comparison of Four Implementation Techniques Using the Same Educational GameRenata Geurtz, University of Texas, USAMin Liu, University of Texas, USAJennifer Wivagg, University of Texas, USADorothy Lee, Austin Community College, USAMaria Chang, Korea Educational Development Institute, Korea (South)
Correspondence sent to: Min LiuThe University of Texas at AustinDept. of Curriculum & Instruction1 University Station D5700Austin, TX [email protected]
Purposes of the studyThe goal was to understand teacher motivation, document their implementation techniques, and identify factors that teachers considered important in using technology-based PBL tools in their teaching.
We asked the following research questions: 1. What are the factors teachers consider important in
affecting their motivation to adopt and use a technology-based PBL program?
2. How do they implement a PBL program and what techniques do they use?
The goal of the program is to engage students in solving a complex problem that requires them to gain specific knowledge about our solar system and the tools and procedures scientists use to study it.
Students become scientists and their mission is to find new home planets for these aliens which can support their life forms and prevent them from dying.
The Problem-based learningTechnology-enhanced authentic learning experience
A multi-media environment
Simulates a space laboratory in earth orbit
14 cognitive tools to support problem solving
Web-accessed Requires log-in Available for free for
research participation
Extensive teacher’s guide with resources
Alien RescueDeveloped at University of Texas, College of Education, Learning Technologies Division
Participants 10 teachers 6th grade science Variety of school
demographics Data Sources
Observation notes and chart
Researchers reflexive journals
Semi-structured interviews
Analysis Constant comparative
method to develop themes
Quantitative descriptions
Research MethodMixed method
Theoretical Framework PBL and its affordances
Student centered Collaboration is beneficial Ill-structured problem Not one correct solution
Challenges of implementing technology-based PBL Technology integration barriers Classroom management issues An assessment-focused school culture Lack of teacher training Limited selection of technology-enhanced PBL software
Pedagogical beliefs and facilitation in PBL Social constructivist teaching philosophy Teachers, themselves, participated in problem-based learning Providing a combination of hard and soft scaffolds
Results, RQ1 Factors Affecting Teachers’ Motivations to
Adopt and Use Technology-Based PBL Addressing teachers’ curricular needs and
having campus administrative and technical support
Teachers’ pedagogical beliefs Offering a new way of teaching and promoting
higher-order thinking skills (HOTS) Challenging students in a captivating manner
and supporting the learning needs of all students.
Classroom environment
Teacher’s role Students’ roles
FindingsTeachers’ Implementation Techniques in Using PBL
One District, One SchoolMrs. Lauren
Classroom was active
Low level of teacher control
Students collaborated with many different students in classroom
Mrs. Trish Classroom was
orderly High level of
teacher control Student
collaboration limited to neighbors and group members
Laptop cart in classroomTraditional computer lab
One District, Two schoolsMrs. Yolanda
Students sat at round tables and used 1 laptop per child
High level of teacher control
Student collaboration within group was graded
Mrs. Ann Students sat in pairs
at a lab table and shared a laptop
High level of teacher control
Student collaboration limited to partners
98% passed science assessment
84% passed science assessment
Discussion: allow for local adaptation Teachers adjust and adapt
Different technology resources Student needs Teaching styles
Implementation processes Group composition Computer to student ratio Follow recommended lessons plans Develop hard scaffolds Different assessment strategies
Conclusion 4 factors affecting teacher’s motivation
to adopt and implement PBL Implementation practices varied based
on local school contexts Full research paper has been accepted:
Interdisciplinary Journal of Problem-Based Learning
Other research on Alien Rescue: http://alienrescue.edb.utexas.edu
Copies of research can be obtained from Dr. Min Liu ([email protected])