"ANALYSIS OF THREE INSTRUCTIONAL METHODS FOR SUPPORTING SECONDARY INSTRUCTION"

• "PROBLEM-BASED LEARNING" - (PBL)

• Problem-Based Learning (PBL) is a student-centered learning method that encourages students to work together to create a solution to a given problem using learning material. Often, these problems involve real-life scenarios pertaining a field of study or subject. The strongest benefit for this learning method is that students can learn and apply their collective knowledge to benefit retention. This also encourages a better understanding of the material as it is flexibly applied to a different scenario, further enhancing the meaning of the lesson. The weakness for this learning method is that it may have a problem with the longevity of the material. A PBL can be used for a certain unit that may not be relevant in future higher-level material. A way to counter-act this result is to properly utilize PBL by only using it with important, lasting lesson material for students to be able to practice outside of the class. I find myself using this method with PBL case studies in my Psychology class, as it will collectively bring students together to solve a problem.

• "INDEPENDENT WORK"

• Independent Work is the instructional method that encourages students to work individually and independently with provided material and instruction. There is minimal teacher guidance with independent work, and students are tasked to work on their ownsome. The benefits of this instructional method include encouragement of independence for a student, allows students to freely create and develop their own individual work, increases work ethic and self-awareness, etc. However, a few cons for this method are that there will be students who find difficulty in independent work and will need guidance with assignments and projects. There is also the chance for students to procrastinate their independent work as there is no self-accountability provided as there is with group work. This method can be both beneficial and detrimental for a student’s academic assessment as it can either allow students to shine in their independent work or reveal faults. I find myself using this method with final essays and projects in my Psychology classrooms. 
  
  

• "SCAFFOLDING/GRADUAL RELEASE OF RESPONSIBILITIES"

• Scaffolding is an instructional method in which a teacher presents new material/instruction, often involving problem-solving, and how to approach it. Once the students are presented with the newly learnt material/solution, they are given the opportunity to, in groups or as a class, practice applying the instruction to a task or problem related to the subject. The teacher steps aside, although is still present to help guide students in the right direction when needed. This method has its benefits and cons. A benefit for this method is that students can collectively work and learn the material together, which supports overall retainment since there is close to no professional guidance or pressure from the teacher. In contrast, a con to this method would be that students who are independent and do not benefit from class or group work may not deem the lesson to be effective for them thus, reducing interest and decreasing retainment of the material. It is important as a teacher to find a fine balance with scaffolding, and by doing that is to become aware of your students’ learning preferences and needs. I find myself using this method when teaching a Drama class with improvisation as the lesson.