- Year 2024
- NSF Award #2151023
- Registration Noyce Scholar/Teaching Fellow/Master Teacher
- Role Current Noyce Scholar
- First Name Lauren
- Last Name Richardson
- Discipline Life Sciences
- Institution Georgia Southern University
Abstract
Problem-based learning (PBL) is a student-centered approach that allows students to apply content knowledge to open-ended questions; moreover, students can collaboratively solve these real-world concerns by actively engaging with their material. Hmelo-Silver developed a framework for PBL in science education, which can be applied to many classroom scenarios. Using this framework, we modified a PBL activity that engages high school students in designing a roller coaster for a theme park. High-expectations teaching includes a set of instructional strategies that promote meaningful learning by empowering students to take responsibility for their own learning and make decisions through choices within their learning process. We apply three high-expectation teaching strategies to the PBL activity. These strategies are giving students choices, helping students develop positive attitudes towards failure, and providing support and encouragement. Implementing these strategies into our PBL roller coaster task will help push students to think critically and tackle the challenges that come their way.
Focus
STEM content and/or convergent skills development
