Webquests!

The concept of a webquest is one that is relevant for both students and educators in that it empowers students to actively engage in the process of learning. Unlike the traditional model of direct teaching, in which the students act as passive receivers of knowledge while the teacher, Webquests allow students to have a more active role in their construction of knowledge. I believe that this student empowerment is an important aspect of education. By use of webquests, students can work independently and in groups to explore countless topics and understand that they too play a part in the construction of knowledge. Throughout this process teacher’s can also provide the students with more choice concerning the process, product, and content of the activity that they will be engaging. The element of student choice not only helps to engage students based on their individual interests but also according to their learning profiles and readiness in different areas. The teacher is also able to move around the classroom, assessing and providing help to students that need additional support. The implementation of webquests in the classroom fit very nicely within a model of teaching that values the importance of differentiation.