The Star Legacy approach is described to be similar to Anchored Instruction, but as I am reading the steps involved, I am struck by its similarity to Gagne’s Nine Events of Instruction:
1. Gain attention
2. Inform learner of objectives
3. Stimulate recall of prior learning
4. Present stimulus material
5. Provide learner guidance
6. Elicit performance
7. Provide feedback
8. Assess performance
9. Enhance retention and transfer
The only apparent differences to me between Star Legacy and Gagne are the emphases on context, statements by experts on the problem being addressed (which I suppose could loosely be kin to “provide learner guidance) and on the publishing of final results. Plus, there is the reflective thinking of Dewey that we have come to expect in all of our methodologies.
There is also an eerie similarity to Guided Design:
1. Define Problem
2. State Objectives
3. List Constraints limiting solutions, assumptions one must make, and facts to be known,
4. Generate possible solutions and evaluate using criteria,
5. Select one solution, synthesize,
6. Present results and recommendations as a result, or other project
7. Implement decision,
8. Evaluate results, and
9. Feedback should be provided how an “experienced” decision maker might have performed.
Or maybe all the methodologies are just starting to look alike!
As in Anchored Instruction, this is a marvelous methodology for maximum metacognition (sorry ‘bout the alliteration, it just worked out that way!) We are given a problem that piques our interest, one which is meaningful and authentic…our attention is retained with a motivating mental model (there, did it again!)…we find out what we know and what we need to find out…then we begin to generate ideas in concert with our peers, utilizing perspectives from experts….then we begin to refine our ideas through research…we get feedback from the instructor…our ideas are put to the test…then, once our ideas have gained the “academic seal of approval”, we herald our newly-founded intellectual prowess to others so that others may benefit from our accomplishments!
As with AI, this would be an extremely time-consuming approach for the average classroom teacher to create. However, I think it would be an outstanding approach IF the appropriate software were made available. The learning cycle is the heart of this approach, and therefore the software to be used should adhere to the learning cycle. This would make a most worthwhile endeavor for software developers specializing in educational applications. Obviously the program would need to be made available to the students either online or as software. There appears to be a flexibility that allows adaptation to various disciplines, plus the philosophical foundation of this approach so greatly resembles other well-thought out approaches, so I would not hesitate to use it for teaching and training.
Thank you for comparing all the models you've included, especially Gagne's Nine Events-- which I use quite often. If we drew a huge Venn Diagram whereby we focused on all the aspects of any of the models we've studied this semester or in our education, I think we could label the center part of the Venn --"best practices" since they really do maximize a student's metacognition and growth as a learner! Great posting!!
ReplyDeleteI like the fact that you compared this model with Gagne's Nine Events of Instruction. It's funny...I think I agree with your statement about all of the models are now beginning to look alike or at least have many similar components! I also think that as we have expressed with the past models, the time and planning involved would be painful! :)
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