You up for a CHALLENGE?

We all love challenges, we all love the rush we get when we overcome challenges – and when we can demonstrate what we have created or co-created with others. This is especially true for kids.This is where CBL comes in. Apple describe their approach in this way:

Challenge Based Learning is an engaging multidisciplinary approach to teaching and learning that encourages students to leverage the technology they use in their daily lives to solve real-world problems. Challenge Based Learning is collaborative and hands-on, asking students to work with other students, their teachers, and experts in their communities and around the world to develop deeper knowledge of the subjects students are studying, accept and solve challenges, take action, share their experience, and enter into a global discussion about important issues. You can find more details on the approach in the “ACOT2 White Paper” – and it offers some great, practical project ideas. Does it work? Apple says it does and offers a wide range of teacher “voices” as testimonials. Actually, many teachers will see elements of Project-Based Learning or even Problem-Based Learning in the various components of CBL. ELT specialists will see elements of Task-Based Learning. Educators familiar with PBL and TBL know it works! I don’t really care what acroynym we use – “real learning” is “real learning” – and what the kids “do” in a Mükemmel Sınıf is far more important than the "toys" they get to play with. Giving kids a challenge is what creates the type of learning they need today – for tomorrow.