Summarize different kinds of pedagogical approaches

1. Inquiry learning
Inquiry learning founds on learners’ natural curiosity. With inquiry learning, learners develop their strategies and processes for gathering and sifting information by the assistance of instructors. Learners first immerse themselves in the context of the topic subject. Then they form a main question and some subsidiary questions on the main one. After that, they can start the investigation centered on the questions by forming hypotheses, planning and carrying out their research, and coming to some conclusions. At last, they can integrate the conclusion into their actual life.

@Possible support in a CMS (Course Management System):
In a CMS, such as TeleTop or Blackboard, inquiry learning can be exerted well by creating an environment in which learners can use the various functions offered by computers and internet to collect information (World Wide Web) and investigate the topic together (forum). CMS can offer instructors and learners a explicit documentation of the process of learner’s inquiry learning.

2. Task-oriented
Task-oriented learning means given clear tasks offered by instructors, learners can accomplish them by prioritizing and arranging at their own paces. Learners can adjust their studying timetable based on their studying habits or the barriers they confront when studying. Individuals are different; one might fall behind a subject while others do not. In order to learn more efficiently, task-oriented learning also offers learner opportunities to learn how to set plans in the beginning and to achieve goals in a specific amount of time. After all, what matters to learning is the quality other than quantity.

@Possible support in a CMS:
As mentioned ahead, learning habits differ. Some people are morning person while others are night person, who cannot stay awake enough to study efficiently like the former. With task-oriented learning supported by CMS, learners can adjust their timetable to suit their own patterns. Instructors can post the required tasks online and learners can set their studying plans in accordance to the deadline.

3. Processed instruction
Processed instruction involves language learning more. However, its main idea is that learners need to be taught how to process input information in order to better acquire knowledge. Learners are informed with the explanation of the content, then become alerted to problems they may encounter, and last do exercises in which they get to know the content better.

@Possible support in a CMS:
Supported by CMS, processed instruction can bring to its best because instructors can elaborate the process of dealing with the input information by using various kinds of examples online. They can also use themselves as models to provide explicit process of their thinking way online which can be retrieved by learners when encountering difficulties at exercises.

4. Collaborative learning
Collaborative learning refers to that learners take on a common task in which each individual depends on each other. Learners form a group and work together in searching for understanding, meaning or solutions or in creating an end product of their learning.

@Possible support in a CMS:
CMS supports the communication of ideas and information among learners, collaborative accessing of information and documents, and instructor and peer feedback on learning activities. With CMS, collaborative learning advanced into computer-supported collaborative learning (CSCL), which enable learners to undertake collaborative learning even at different time and locations such as Virtual Classrooms.

5. Project-based
Project-based learning uses classroom projects to increase learners’ deep learning. It improves their creative thinking skills by showing that there are many ways to solve a real world problem. Providing complex tasks based on challenging questions or problems, it helps learners practice problem solving, decision making, investigative skills, and reflection. Instructors only facilitate rather than direct. Though seem similar, project-based learning and inquiry learning are different in that project-based learning emphasizes on collaborative learning and learners' own end products to represent what is being learned.

@Possible support in a CMS:
It is possible to support project-based learning by CMS in the way that inquiry learning is supported. Since project-based learning is more related the application to the actual world, the end products are practical and worth presenting to others. CMS can provide more various ways for learners to present their end products and serve as inspiring triggers for others.