Week 7- Problem Solving

Problem solving is a thinking strategy. This strategy is taught through specifically the scientific method but also through out the years in many different ways. There are 6 steps to this process when problem solving. This approach to learning helps students to learn and remember information much more efficiently and effectively compared to lecture. This learning method can be used in and out of the classroom. This is actually a very important life skill for people to have. This idea ties into problem based learning. This includes, problem solving, inquiry based learning, projects and case studies. By implementing this idea into our classrooms, it is helping students to prepare themselves for future situations they could experience in their work places. Luckily, in ag education there are many ways to implement this teaching strategy. An example would be such as one in my unit where we learned about different field crops and pest malmanagement practices. After the initial teaching, the students will be given a case study that they must help an area resolve their issues and save crops. In another article we read this week, it explained the difference between projects and project based learning. Projects are to be completed after the initial lesson. Projects give students the chance to "show what they know" or what they learned from the lesson. Project based learning is the students learn from completing the project. They work through a situation to complete the project and they gain knowledge as they complete it. Project based learning teaches content and promotes critical thinking. I feel that often, this is not how students typically learn. By challenging students to learn this way it gives them a hands on approach and helps them retain and truly learn the information better.