Step 5 - Promote Effective Learning
This chapter will delve into the pedagogical approach behind organizing a hackathon, enabling teachers to optimize the hackathon event's pedagogical approach. The primary objective is to promote active learning and acquire transversal competencies through inquiry-based and explicit instruction-based learning methods.
Inquiry-Based Learning (IBL)
In a hackathon, students take the lead in creating their knowledge through inquiry-based learning (IBL). This method encourages students to engage with problems or tasks that stimulate learning by constructing new knowledge and understanding. The teacher's role is to facilitate and guide students towards self-directed learning.
Key Elements of IBL:
Student-Centered Learning: Students actively engage in exploring problems and seeking solutions.
Facilitated by Questions: Learning is driven by questions or problems that require investigation.
Construction of Knowledge: Students build new knowledge based on their discoveries and experiences.
Collaborative Learning: Hackathons encourage teamwork and shared problem-solving.
Benefits of IBL:
Promotes critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
Enhances student engagement and motivation.
Encourages autonomy and self-directed learning.
Explicit Instruction-Based Learning
Explicit instruction involves a direct, teacher-led approach where students receive clear, structured guidance throughout the learning process. This method is particularly effective for novice learners who need foundational knowledge and skills.
Key Elements of Explicit Instruction:
Clear Learning Intentions: Clearly state the purpose and objectives of the hackathon.
Breaking Down Material: Present new information in small, manageable steps to prevent cognitive overload.
Concise Explanations: Use clear, direct language and examples to explain concepts.
Questioning and Checking Understanding: Use questions to assess understanding and address misconceptions.
Providing Models: Show examples to illustrate abstract concepts and guide students.
Scaffolding: Provide support and gradually reduce it as students gain competence.
Feedback: Offer constructive feedback to guide student learning and improvement.
Benefits of Explicit Instruction:
Ensures clarity and understanding of new material.
Supports novice learners effectively.
Helps students build a solid foundation before moving to more complex tasks.
Combining IBL and Explicit Instruction
Combining inquiry-based learning with explicit instruction is the most effective way to ensure student learning during a hackathon. This hybrid approach provides the structure and support students need while encouraging them to participate actively in their learning.
Strategies for Implementation:
Share Learning Intentions: Communicate the hackathon's goals and objectives at the beginning. Explain the hackathon, why it is being organized, and what students are expected to achieve.
Divide New Material into Small Steps: Break down the hackathon process into clear, sequential steps. Provide a detailed schedule and guide students through each phase, ensuring they understand what to do at each stage.
Provide Clear and Concise Explanations: Avoid unnecessary information and use straightforward language. Use examples to illustrate key points and ensure students grasp the concepts.
Use Questioning to Check Understanding: Regularly ask questions to gauge student understanding and address any confusion. Use open-ended questions to stimulate thinking and discussion.
Provide Models and Scaffolding: Show examples of successful hackathon projects to help students understand the expectations. Offer scaffolding by providing initial support and gradually reducing it as students become more confident and independent.
Offer Constructive Feedback: Provide timely and specific feedback to help students improve their ideas and solutions. Encourage reflection and iteration based on the feedback received.
Conclusion
Promoting effective learning in a hackathon involves balancing inquiry-based learning with explicit instruction. Combining these approaches allows you to create a dynamic and engaging learning environment that fosters critical thinking, creativity, and collaboration. Use these strategies to ensure that students gain valuable knowledge and skills while enjoying the unique experience of participating in a hackathon.
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