Investigative learning Elaine Smallbones Pietermaritzburg Girls’ High School

Computer based Investigative learning …using the computer as a teaching tool

In this workshop we will… 1. look at an example of investigative learning 2. remind ourselves of some basics we need to know 3.work through an investigative self study unit teaching trigonometry graphs (optional) 4.create an investigative self study unit in your own subject field

1An example of investigative learning …a personal episode

Teaching graphs

I aimed for the learners to observe make conjectures experiment make mistakes try again come to conclusions even Pythagoras had to start somewhere!

Feedback Making observations helped me understand the graphs. I concentrate much more using the computer. I like working in pairs. If one doesn’t understand, the other can explain. Nice to get out of the classroom. It was fun I must say working with the computer. Thanks for the lessons. I enjoyed having the challenge to find something on our own. I learnt a lot. It was boring. I prefer actually doing the work in class.

Positive aspects: less time generating the graphs more time to observe and discuss pupils could work at own pacepupils could work at own pace more capable pupils worked independently co-operative learning

Needing attention – those who… were unskilled in an investigative situationwere unskilled in an investigative situation lacked confidence were unable to sustain a high level of concentration were passive finished quickly

Action: teach investigative learning give overview put material on school intranet intervene - cajole and encourage suggest repetition of activities

increase structure and guidance open ended challenges suggest helpful web sites assessment activities at regular intervals sum up with a computer based test Action continued:

2Know the basics yourself theory suitable activities learners technology topic

Know yourself “Am I an informer or a facilitator?”

Know the theory Good, investigative activities need certain basic components

Investigative Learning © The Ohio Resource Center 2009

Engagement Awareness Exploration Knowledge Explanation Skill Expansion Mastery Assess until Success Investigative Learning

Engagement Awareness Exploration Knowledge Explanation Skill Expansion Mastery Assess until Success Necessary components for success

observation making conjectures experimenting making mistakes trying again coming to conclusions application Suitable activities including…

Your learners academic ability ability to concentrate investigative skills prior knowledge attitude to technology ability to cope with the unexpected willingness to work co-operatively

Technology programme anticipate problem areas possible interference with the learning “practice” session maximise active engagement

Know your topic suitability for investigative learning skills and knowledge to be learnt

3.Investigative self study unit This is optional! ( Suggest you try some of it) You will need hard copy of the unit (to be handed out) graphing software Graphmatica on CD Autograph (if on computer)

4.Create an investigative self study unit Reminders: Know yourself theory suitable activities learners technology topic Activities observe make conjectures experiment make mistakes try again come to conclusions apply