What is IPM?

What is IPM?

It is a teaching model. The theory behind this model is constructivism and the 5E's.

The IPM model is a method of teaching where the teacher presents the students with a problem/situation and gets them to investigate and find the solution on their own.

The IPM method is like an onion or artichoke. You keep peeling the outside to discover the solution in the inside. Teaching is done by asking instead of telling. This method of teaching allows the students to become independent, autonomous learners capable of figuring things out for themselves.This is the theoretical foundations behind IPM?

The theoretical foundation of IPM is the Socratic Method, named after the Greek philosopher, Socrates. It is a form of philosophical inquiry in which the questioner explores the implications of others’ positions, to stimulate rational thinking and to illuminate ideas. The term Socratic Questioning is used to describe a kind of questioning in which an original question is responded to as though it were an answer. This in turn forces the first questioner to reformulate a new question in light of the progress of the discourse. IPM is a learning environment which is open, allows active student involvement, and an atmosphere of intellectual freedom.

The IPM method consists of five phases, which are:

Engage, Explore, Explain, Elaborate, Evaluate

• Orient students to the problem

• Organize students for study

• Assist with independent and group investigations

• Develop and present artifacts and exhibits

• Analyze and evaluate work

Of course there are advantages and disadvantages to using any teaching method...

Some benefits of IPM would be that it helps the students develop investigative skills and problem solving skills. It allows students to gain confidence in their own ability to think, access, process and reflect on information.

Some disadvantages of IPM is it requires major planning, clearly communicated goals, designing interesting and appropriate problem situations and logistical preparation.

IPM should be used when you want to further encourage the students thinking and promote higher leveling thinking.