GPS is highly motivating for students! Research Proves What Pedagogical Approaches are
| Using GPS units with students can be a highly effective tool when the lessons have been well designed with YOUR students in mind. Project-Based Learning is often utilized throughout GPS activities, especially when students are problem-solving as part of the activity. Geo-Caching, way point marking, and other GPS activities lend themselves naturally to problem-solving and other higher-order thinking skills. | |
Marzano
GeoCaching and GPS activities focus on the following techniques: Cooperative Learning - Balancing Various Group Structures Best Practices in Small Group Learning Research on Small Group Learning Setting Objectives and Providing feedback - Instructional goals/objectives narrow on what students should focus. Students see the initial goals as well as long-term goals throughout the GPS activities as long as the lessons are well designed in incremental steps and allowing for problem solving throughout the process. The Jordan School District addresses the clear connection between Marzano's research and GPS in the classroom. |
Backwards Curriculum Design - Understanding By Design- (UBD)
The Jordan School District shows connections between "Understanding By Design" and GPS Activity Design. Sample lessons and activities are listed for grades 1 through 6. It is through the process of "Understanding By Design", aka: backwards curriculum design, that highly successful GPS activities are built. Starting off with defining what is to be learned, the evidence the teacher will accept as proof of understanding (assessment), then designing the learning activities is a key element to designing GPS and GeoCaching activities.
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Working On the Work (WOW) by:
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Project-Based Learning (PBL)
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