Challenge-based learning
Teachers, more than ever before, are required to create inspiring lessons that challenge and motivate students to develop employability skills and technical ability beyond that gained through the various informal channels. Because of the availability of information through the internet or via digital and social media, students increasingly acquire knowledge independently, often making the traditional (knowledge-heavy) lesson content irrelevant, or at least uninspiring.
21st Century students are often accomplished producers and publishers their own right and like to engage positively in multifaceted challenges and projects that stretch their abilities. This report by Apple Inc. suggests approaches to this emerging learning culture.
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Examples of practice
ESOL within Employability use the Google
community to pose ‘Question of the week’ to get
the students thinking before and after the session.
Students are also encouraged to take the ‘6 book
challenge’ at the library. Another common
practice is to encourage students to record any new or unfamiliar words on a post-it note, learn the definition, and then test their understanding of these words at next session.
Further reading:
Read this article for more ideas for initiating stretch and challenge into your lessons.
Tom Sherrington has some fantastic ideas about Challenge as part of his 'Great Lessons' series.