Problem Solving and Task Based Learning: Innovation in the Classroom

Preparation:

The course organisers will send to the participants a list of materials related to the course topic that they can read in order to prepare for the course (such as Erasmus + Guide for 2017). The organisers will assist the participants if they need information related to the accommodation, plane tickets or other necessary details.

Course description

This course focuses on active learning; learning based on tasks, not on memorising. According to Bloom’s taxonomy, there are many levels of learning: from remembering to creating.  Remembering is at the very bottom of the learning pyramid, and it is the most present in schools of today. On this course we will pay great attention on how to use activities in the classroom that stimulate processes such as analysing, evaluating, applying and creating. Participants will learn how to organise their lesson in more active way, primarily focusing on learning by doing. We will compare traditional learning to alternative learning methods. Participants will be actively involved in performing problem and project-based activities. More creative approach in the classroom means more innovation; students have to end the lesson with the result, concrete product of their learning.

 Methodology:

Methodological approach involves:

• Ice-breaking sessions
• Questionnaires
• Brainstorming
• Debates
• Critical Debates;
• Team – Building Sessions;
• Group Discussions;
• Six Hats Method;
• Problem – Solving Activities;
• Project – Solving Activities
• Questioning;
• Decision – Making Sessions;
• Action – Based Strategies;
• Planning an Structuring;
• Negotiation and Persuasion;
• Self – Motivation Sessions;

Objectives

• Learning about Bloom's Taxonomy; how to switch from remembering to creating;
• Learning about the alternative teaching methods, and performing them in practice;
• Critical thinking in practice; Encouraging students to think critically;
• Learning about designed thinking; solving problems in innovative way;
• Applying lateral thinking: how to think outside the box;
• Project – based learning in practice; every lesson can be a project;
• Learning how to encourage students to be innovative;
• Development of tools and techniques for innovative problem solving

Follow-up

Trainees will be given soft and hard copies of all lesson materials, which they can present to their colleagues in their own organizations to generate interest in project writing. In addition, a mailing list of participants will be created in order to exchange ideas/experiences. At the end of the course the participants will fill in a questionnaire in order to get a detailed feedback for the effectiveness of the training event.

Programme of training activities day-by-day:

Day 1 – MONDAY

• Welcome and registration
• Introduction to the concept of learning; Bloom's taxonomy
• What is your learning style
• Comparing the traditional approach of learning to alternative one
• How much do you encourage student to be creative in the classroom; role playing

Day 2 – TUESDAY

• Teacher – centred learning vs. Learner – centred learning; Advantages and disadvantages
• What is lateral thinking; How to encourage your students to think in a different way
• Project – based learning in practice; how you can organise project – based classroom in different subjects

Day 3 – WENDESDAY

• Ice – breaking activities; The benefits of warm – ups, ice – breakers and energisers
• Alternative classrooms: What is Blended Learning?
• Practical exercises that develop students' critical thinking skills

Day 4 – THURSDAY

• What are Mental blocks
• Problem solving; Six hats method
• Brainstorming activities; Any idea matters
• Increasing students' motivation; discussion

Day 5 – FRIDAY

• Getting ideas for innovative tasks; Competition breeds innovation
• Multiple intelligence theory; every students needs different approach
• Project – based teaching: My 6 months' plan for implementing task – based classroom

Days 6/7 – SATURDAY and SUNDAY  Workshops and Cultural/Sightseeing Activities

Day 8 – MONDAY

• Using practical resources for creating innovative classroom
• Examples of good practices from some European schools; discussion
• Game – based activities; Learning through playing 

Day 9 – TUESDAY

• Designing classroom activities in a way that will stimulate every student
• Improving learning and language skills through task – based activities
• Real – world activities; Preparing students for the outside world

Day 10 – WEDNESDAY

• Feedback, Course Evaluation and Dissemination Focus
• Awarding certificates of attendance