PBL Readings

Problem-based learning helps students develop better problem solving skills and expand disciplinary knowledge bases and skills. Problem-based learning places students in an active role of problem solving. Students are faced with poorly phrased problems that tend to mimic real-life problems. PBL is a student-centered instructional strategy. Students must work together to find a solution to the problem they have been faced with. The teacher acts as a coach or facilitator to the students throughout the PBL process. Once the students have received their problem, they must define the challenge or problem. They must determine what they know from prior knowledge, what they need to know, and how they are going to get to the solution. The use of a chart similar to a KWL will help students answer these questions. The teacher should provide resource advice and ask questions throughout this process to act as a guide. Students should list many possible solutions and rank them according to how successful they will be. Once they determine which solution will be most successful, they begin research the knowledge and data that will support the solution. The group needs to discuss the possible resources they can utilize as well as assigning and scheduling research tasks for each member of the group. Deadlines should be established so students are completing work in a timely manner, but the student should set their own individual deadlines for each part of the PBL. The teacher gives the final deadline for the project. Students then organize the information they found through research and the solution and present their findings to the group. When students present their findings, they need to include the problem statement, questions they asked, the data that was gathered, an analysis of the data, and support for solutions or recommendations based on the data analysis. It is pertinent that students reflect on the overall problem and the work they conducted to solve the problem. This encourages the students to learn how to learn. When completed, the PBL would have promoted the integration of knowledge, critical thinking, problem solving, communication, reasoning, learner empowerment, interpersonal skills, and decision making.

Problem-based learning is used in many ways in the classroom, but it is also used outside of the classroom. Problem-based learning can be used in the classroom with a mini-lecture. The students work in small groups and they material resources are provided for them. The students then solve the problem in that class period. We solve problems in our day-to-day lives. When solving the problems we face, we determine the best and most efficient and effective way of solving the problem. We research how to reach the solution and then we execute it. PBL is an important strategy in a student's learning.