As of right now, I am just wrapping up the compiling of sources for my Inquiry Project. I've found some conflict in the literature regarding Problem-Based Learning (PBL) which has been interesting to explore. I haven't yet read everything I have sourced in its entirety, especially considering that a number of the sources are short books, but I think I'm on track to do so before class next week. I would like to find a few more good sources which lead me to a specific conclusion, as things are still pretty broad at this moment. I think what I am most interested in in what I have looked at so far is the mental state that students exist in when solving problems and how we can scaffold opportunities for constructive failure. I will find a few more sources on this specifically for the bibliography.
In terms of connecting to the real world of teaching, I am fortunate to have maintained some contacts from Quest University who I am going to speak to early next week about this topic. I've emailed both Asia Matthews and Richard Hoshino, professors with backgrounds in mathematical problem-solving that I have worked with closely in the past. I'm also intending to email Peter Liljedahl, as I have been inspired in the past by both his Thinking Classrooms as well as the collection of "Good Problems" on his website. One of my sources is a book that he wrote in collaboration with another author, so I will get his thoughts that way, but I would love to also have a brief conversation. Additionally, I will be speaking with my School Advisor next Tuesday about the topic, which I am very excited about. Both of my SAs are currently teaching classes with minimal complex problem-solving in them, so I want to ask what leads them to that choice (and how it is affected by COVID restrictions). For example, the school I am doing my practicum at is asking teachers not to do any group work, which makes problem-based learning quite difficult! I want to know what a more typical year would look like in those classrooms.
In summary, I feel good about my progress and my ability to meet deadlines. I'm still very interested in the topic and have been enjoying the process of narrowing my focus somewhat from a rather big initial question.
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