Modeling the Geography Class through Problem-Based Teaching: a Case Study from Novi Sad, Serbia
Abstract
The idea of problem-based teaching, i.e. learning through solving problems, is not a new one, but has been fairly neglected in the teaching process. The aim of this research is to consider the possibility of applying this learning model in teaching geography in primary and grammar schools. This teaching model was proposed for the presentation of the teaching unit Australia and Oceania, in the framework of the thematic unit Political/Geographic, Demographic and Economic/Geographic Features of Certain Parts of the World. The model implies group work. The expected successful outcome of the applied teaching model has been verified by the results of a survey and the scores achieved in the knowledge test. The study contains the entire course of the experimental teaching of the unit Australia and Oceania by applying problem-based teaching, and presents and analyzes the results achieved. The classes were modelled by relying on Hill-Slater′s model. A t-test was used for the statistical analysis of data in order to test the hypothesis on differences in the arithmetic mean. The choice and application of the statistical mathematical procedure are determined by the nature of the phenomenon which is the subject of this research. The software packages Mathematica and Excel were used in order to statistically analyze data and to draw tables and graphs.References
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Ahlfeldt, S., Mehta, S. & Sellnow, T. (2005). Measurement and analysis of student engagement in university classes where varying levels of PBL methods of instruction are in use. Higher Education Research & Development. Vol. 24, No. 1, pp. 5–20.
Gavrilović, Lj. & Gavrilović, D. (2009). Geografija za I razred gimnazije. Zavod za udžbenike, Beograd.
Havelka, N. (2000). Učenik i nastavnik u obrazovnom procesu. Zavod za udžbenike i nastavna sredstva, Beograd.
Hill, A. D. (1990). A model for issue-based geographic inquiry in secondary schools. Geographic Inquiry into Global Issues Bulletin 1A (Boulder, CO: Center for Geography Education), 11 pp.
Ivkov, A. (2003). Aktivne metode u nastavi geografije, put ka kvalitetnijem obrazovanju. Zbornik radova Departmana za geografiju, turizam i hotelijerstvo, 32, 91-98. Novi Sad.
Jovanović, S. & Živković, Lj. (2005). Problemski pristup u izučavanju geografskih sadržaja u nastavi geografije 1. Zbornik radova PMF – Geografski institut, Beograd, LIII, 123-132.
Jovanović, S. & Živković, Lj. (2007). Uloga domaćih zadataka u nastavi geografije. Zbornik radova PMF - Geografski institut, Beograd, LV, 185-192.
Kidman,G.& Papadimitriou, F. (2012). Content Analysis of International Research in Geographical and Environmental Education: Eighteen Years of Academic Publishing. International Research in Geographical and Environmental Education, 21(1), 3-10.
Kurnik, Z. (2002). Problemska nastava. Matematika i škola 15, 196–202.
Kurnik, Z.(2003). Grupni rad. Matematika i škola 22, 52–57.
Maudsley, G. (1999). Do we all mean the same thing by ‘Problem-based learning’? A review of the concepts and a formulation of the ground rules. Academic Medicine, 74, 178–185.
Pawson, E., Fournier, E., Haigh, M., Muniz, O., Trafford, J. & Vajoczki, S. (2006). Problem-based Learning in Geography: Towards a Critical Assessment of its Purposes, Benefits and Risks. Journal of Geography in Higher Education, Volume 30, Issue 1, Pp 103–116.
Slater, F. (1982). Learning Through Geography. UK: Heinemann Educational Books, Oxford.
Solem, M. N. (2001). Using Geographic Information Systems and the internet to support problem-based learning. Planet, Special Issue 2, 22–24.
Spronken-Smith, R., Bullard, J., Ray, W., Roberts, C. & Keiffere, A. (2008). Where Might Sand Dunes be on Mars? Engaging Students through Inquiry-based Learning in Geography. Journal of Geography in Higher Education, Volume 32, Issue 1, Pp. 71-86.
Veinović, Z. (2004). Savremene teorije učenja i nastave i problemska nastava. Obrazovna tehnologija, Broj 4. Str. 59-66.
Vilotijević, M. (2000). Didaktika I – Predmet didaktike. Naučna knjiga i Učiteljski fakultet, Beograd.
Vilotijević, M. (2000). Didaktika II - Teorije ucenja i nastave. Naučna knjiga i Učiteljski fakultet, Beograd.
Williams, A. F. (1999). An antipodean evaluation of problem-based learning by clinical educators. Nurse Education Today, 19(8), Pp. 659–667.
Published
2016-02-01
How to Cite
Herceg Mandić, V., Ivkov Džigurski, A., Ivanović Bibić, L., & Đukičin, S. (2016). Modeling the Geography Class through Problem-Based Teaching: a Case Study from Novi Sad, Serbia. Journal of Subject Didactics, 1(1), 13-23. https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.55471
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Articles
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