Anchored instruction reminds me of a quote by Carol Ann Tomlinson…”Learning is a process that never ends.” As Vandy’s (1) article points out, anchored instruction is similar to problem-based instruction. This method of instruction also helps students see the need to learn and acquire new information. This is another instructional strategy where learning becomes a meaningful experience because it is situated in a realistic situation, where students will be posed a problem, exercise problem solving and reasoning skills. I think that this type of instruction can work with students from diverse backgrounds. With anchored instruction, it can be made as simple and/or complex as needed. There are ways to scaffold instruction and simplify as needed. With that being said, it is important not to lose sight of keeping it meaningful in context. I think as Vandy’s (3) article pointed out, it is important to monitor the progress and perhaps use means of formative assessment as opposed to summative assessment. Students could simply be monitored by evidence of on-task behavior, rubrics, or perhaps a peer review. It is important for teachers to monitor their progress and challenge them at the same time. This can be a bit difficult trying to manage all students. The teachers could just manage this by simply providing hints to students as they proceed through the problem.
Anchored instruction is yet another great way to integrate knowledge across the curriculum. I think another barrier could be if the situation or problem posed is not interesting to students. This could be a hindrance. It is important for the situation to be as realistic and interesting to the target audience as possible to engage them in this type of instruction. As educators, aren’t we always trying to design “engaging” lessons for our students?
Overall, I think that delivery of an anchored instructional activity within a web-based module could create an enriching and engaging multi-media experience for students. The possibilities are endless with the use of multi-media, web-based media and other interactive technology. I would definitely consider using this instructional model, especially in my CMP math class.
You made a good point about how anchored instruction is a good model to use with students from diverse backgrounds. Teachers can make the problems/scenarios as challenging as they need to, and provide more or less scaffolding depending on the students' needs.
ReplyDeleteYou also made a great point about how the situations presented to the students should have relevance to their lives. I think that students would be more engaged and motivated if the scenario related to them.
I agree, that it is very important to select real world situations that are relevant to the students lives. Having multiple real world situations for the students to choose from, should help motivate more students, than just one situation for the whole class. I can see assessing what students have learned can be a little more challenging in PBL, GL and AL. How do teachers determine that each student learned all the content knowledge that the EOG standardized tests will be assessing?
ReplyDeleteAs educators, we do have the standardized tests constantly "forced down our throats." Are these tests really preparing our students to be productive members of society in the 21st Century?
ReplyDeleteI kind of feel like there needs to be a handbook or guide for designing Anchored Instruction models. I agree there are so many benefits, and like you pointed out and from Tomlinson's quote, if the students are motivated and engaged, the learning process should never end. Maintaining that level of motivation can not be easy for the teacher or for the student! But from the teacher's perspective, I think we need to have a handbook or somewhere to go to get these great Anchored Instruction lessons. I don't want to have to design every one I use -- especially if this is great model that students enjoy and learn a lot from! I want to be able to pull some learning models off and shelf and use them.
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