Phenomenon-Based Learning and its application in the classroom

Creating a lesson that is engaging and relevant to the generation of today is such an important but difficult task. As a teacher, delivering lessons that are fun and interactive, as well as informative, could seem daunting at times. However, by making use of Phenomenon-Based Learning, you could achieve this task. 

Phenomenon-Based Learning (PhenoBL) is an integrative approach to learning where students study a phenomenon from the real world. The students need to base the study on their own questions for which they need to research facts and deliver solutions and answers. Teachers act as a guide in this process, using various instructional techniques to further the students understanding and independence during the process of learning. 

The deconstruction of a phenomenon and its relevance in our daily lives forms the foundation of PhenoBL.

If you are wondering how exactly you could utilise this learning style, don’t rack your brain about it. Here are some examples of real-world phenomena along with possible topics:

Life Sciences

• Identical twins (Genetics)
• Down syndrome (Genetics and DNA)
• Baldness patterns (Inheritance) 

Physical Sciences 

• Glow sticks (Exothermic Reactions)
• Rusting nail (Corrosion)
• Burning marshmallows (Chemical Reaction)

Geography

• How was the Grand Canyon formed? (Erosion)
• Earthquakes (Tectonic plates) 
• Western Cape drought (Weather patterns and Climate change)

These are only a few examples you could use to demonstrate various topics in each of these subjects. Present the phenomena in such a way that there is room for suggestion, by doing this your learners are not limited to just one question and solution.

The great aspect of PhenoBL is that similar everyday phenomena could be used in almost all subjects.

Grouping your students together will also open avenues for teamwork, critical thinking and effective communication.

If you have never made use of this learning style in the classroom, now is the time. 21st-century students need the extra boost in the classroom to grab their attention and teach them how to independently and critically think about the real world.