1) Level Two (understand) -Explain the differences between script and schema. Give an example of each.
2) Level Four (analyze) Why do you think that it is important to incorporate authentic activities and problem and project-based learning into the classroom?
1) Schema is an outline set of facts about a concept or phenomenon. It allows you to explain a concept relating the facts you know are true about such concept.
ReplyDeleteScript is the predictable sequence of event to develop the schema.
For instance, in the control process engineering field schemas and scripts are used commonly. A simple example could be the process of labeling a new product. We know we need several things before ask the machine to perform the label process, such as decide the label with a logo and colors, adequate side of label for the container used, adhesive, and software for the label machine. All these would be our schema for labeling a new product, all we know about what the process of label implies. Subsequently, the software for the label machine is based on an algorithm that will describe the sequence of event of how the labeling will be made. Such as, if label if ready, glue label, move container to place, if label if glue and container is in place, stick label to container, then mover container labeled. This algorithm is the script.
I think you formulate a great question about script and schema, and I agree with you about categorizing it as an understanding question; however, I would think it can also be knowing since we do have to remember the definition of both concepts.
2) I do think it is important to incorporate authentic activities into classroom because students can learn in a more integrated manner, using meaningful material that somehow is applicable in real-life problem. The students construct their knowledge based on useful/applicable examples, which help them to understand better the subject and therefore fix and remember the concepts for longer time. Some of these real-life examples are in the form of problem-based or project-based learning. Particularly, in Math classes, I do find authentic activities very useful, since most of my students have problem understanding “row” math concepts. If new concepts are applied to a real-life problem it makes more sense to the students. It also helps students to be more open to learn new concepts, since they are not abstract concepts anymore, but applicable and in some cases useful for them. Especially, if the authentic activity is presented in a project-based learning form, students seem to enjoy better the activity and be even more creative than normal, which add a plus on the learning process.
I do agree with you about categorizing this question as an analyzing question, because you formulate it as a Why question.