Problem Centered Inquiry

I am really conflicted on this model. On one hand, I feel this model is the most conducive to be taught in an EAST environment. It is exactly what we do as facilitators to lead students through the problem solving process they encounter in their project. I felt, however, while planning my lesson, that I was being too repetitive. I really had a hard time distinguishing the differences between the third and fourth steps. I was also a bit unsure about how to assess the learning in this model. I chose to have the students document their thoughts through the entire process and to reflect on the process, but I was not really as sure of myself as I would have like to be.

Concept Development Model

It took a while for me to find a concept to teach using this model, but I really did like the idea. At first, I thought a concrete subject would be easier to teach that a more abstract one. I realized that if I am to follow EAST pedagogy, then I really needed to take a more student centered approach. I chose the concept of technology, a really broad topic that I worried the students may take in a totally different direction than I wanted. I feel even with these difficulties, this model is well suited to the EAST model. It alllows the teacher to guide the students into looking more deeply at their own thought process, and also get an idea about how others think. I also really appreciate that the model can be taught, practiced and used by the student to refine knowledge and brainstorm new ideas on other concepts.