Resource - Based Learning

Campbell, L., Flageolle, P., Griffith, S., & Wojcik, C. (2002). Resource-based learning. In M.Orey (Ed.), Emerging perspectives on learning, teaching , and technology. (Wiki-based version of the original publication by Association for Educational Communications and Technology).

I don't think I had ever heard of the term Resource -Based Learning before I started this course.
I have found it interesting, informative and something I really want to develop at my school.

Resource-based learning is not tied to a single learning theory or to any specific pedagogy.
RBL is designed to actively engage students with multiple resources in both print and non-print form.

I find it a great method because it makes the learners take responsibility for selecting resources that appeal to their own learning preferences, interests and abilities.

RBL units often culminate in student products that are presented to an audience.

In a RBL school, students are more self sufficient, ask productive questions, synthesize, analyse, interpret and evaluate information.

Steps for implementing a resource-based learning unit:

• Identify goals.
• Determine acceptable student produced artifacts.
• Collaborate with the media specialist to plan the unit.
• Select resources in a variety of formats.

Role of Teacher in Resource-Based Learning
Teachers act as facilitators. The teaching of facts is replaced by teaching students how to learn.

Benefits of Resource-Based Learning

Good lessons engage students.

There are six strategies for motivation:

1. choice
2. challenge
3. control
4. collaboration
5. constructing meaning
6. consequences

Resource-based learning can significantly change teacher practices, challenging them to reinvent old practices and routines in ways that reflect the changing world in which students learn.

Resource-based learning promotes problem-solving and higher-order thinking skills.

Challenges of Resource-Based Learning
The greatest challenge is co-operative planning.
assessing student attainment of learning goals and objectives.



What I learnt from this reading
The thing I learnt from this reading was that I need to change my whole way of thinking and the way I teach students. I'm sure that it will be quite time consuming, but after teaching for over 20years I am quite excited about the prospect of something new and re-inventing myself in the classroom.