Reflection on pedagogical approaches

At the last ICT lesson, we were introduced to five pedagogical approaches. These five pedagogical approaches are Case-based learning, Game-based learning, Inquiry-based learning, Project-based learning and Resource-based learning. Through the jigsaw activity, we were each “expert” in our own field of research on one pedagogical approach and then shared it with the rest of our group members. I find this useful as we were able to pool resources together and learn from one another. As a secondary school students years ago, I was exposed to the jigsaw activity by my history teacher. My class was divided into groups of five and we were asked to research on an area tasked by the teacher. Let me use the Collapse of the Tsarist regime in Russia, the Rise of Communism in Russia and the policies introduced by the communists to illustrate my point. One group was tasked to research on the reasons for the collapse of the Tsarist regime; another group had to do the reasons for the rise of Communism in Russia, while two other groups were tasked to research on the various policies of Communist Russia. At the end of the lesson, every group had to present their findings to the class. This helps to train our presentation skills. This becomes a learner centred activity where the students play an active role in their learning and the role of teacher becomes a facilitator where he comes in at certain juncture to clarify points and have additional comments.

Another pedagogical approach which I come across as a student was the project-based learning approach. This approach was fully utilize by my teachers. We were given projects to engage on different issues. My group did a project on the conservation of Chek Jawa in Secondary Four. In Junior College, as Fatma mentioned, my batch was the first batch to experience Project Work (PW) and we had to work out a project based on themes given by MOE. The project lasted for a year and the end product was a detailed report and a presentation. My group chose the theme “Blast from the Past” and we did a project on the Chernobyl nuclear accident and what are the lessons which we could draw from it. It was a bittersweet experience as there was lots of documentation and research to do. But seeing the final product and presentation, it was worthwhile.

With the ICT tools like blogs, websites and wiki, it enhances these pedagogical approaches. Work now can be saved and published on wiki and websites for other students to view. As compared to the traditional pen and paper method, information can be presented faster.