Extending the classroom: Problem-Based Learning Projects

CD Year 1 - Dubai Men’s College 2001

?What is a problem?

If you think of a problem only as something that is wrong or needs to be fixed, you have too narrowa definition.

A problem can be best thought of as a goal wherethe correct path to its solution is not known.

Extending the classroom:

Problem-Based Learning Projects

PBL is a learner-centred educational method

-learners ideally become more independent of the teacher-teacher’s role is to provide materials and guidance

PBL is based on real world problems

-learning is based on the complex problems encountered in the real world-problems challenge learners to develop effective problem-solving and critical thinking skills

Extending the classroom:

Problem-Based Learning Projects

Extending the classroom:

Problem-Based Learning Projects

Generic Characteristics of PBL

• students must be responsible for their own learning

• problems must be ill-structured and allow for free inquiry

• learning should be integrated from a wide range of subjects

• collaboration is essential

• self-directed learning must be reapplied back to the problem

Extending the classroom:

Problem-Based Learning Projects

Generic Characteristics of PBL - CD Year 1

• students must be responsible for their own learning

• problems must be ill-structured and allow for free inquiry

• learning should be integrated from a wide range of subjects

• collaboration is essential

• self-directed learning must be reapplied back to the problem

Extending the classroom:

Problem-Based Learning Projects

• a closing analysis or reflection should take place

• self and peer assessment should be carried out

• activities in PBL must be relevant to the real world

• formal assessments must assess students’ problem- solving skills

• PBL should be pedagogical base, not part of the curriculum

Generic Characteristics of PBL contd

Extending the classroom:

Problem-Based Learning Projects

• a closing analysis or reflection should take place

• self and peer assessment should be carried out

• activities in PBL must be relevant to the real world

• formal assessments must assess students’ problem- solving skills

• PBL should be pedagogical base, not part of the curriculum

Generic Characteristics of PBL - CD Year 1

Extending the classroom:

Problem-Based Learning Projects

Current Usage

• teaching universities eg. Faculties of Medicine

• thousands of PBL programs in North America and elsewhere

• basis of teaching/learning paradigm at Dubai Women’s College

Extending the classroom:

Problem-Based Learning Projects

Learning styles

• imitation or observational learning•learning language/social behaviour

• directed learning•learning in structured classrooms

• guided independent learning•independent learning with structured materials

• autonomous learning•independent learning without teacher

Increasingindependence& skills

Source: Moodie, Australia

Extending the classroom:

Problem-Based Learning Projects

Learning styles

• imitation or observational learning

• directed learning

• guided independent learning

• autonomous learning

Increasingindependence& skills

Extending the classroom:

Problem-Based Learning Projects

Impetus

•started in 1997 from disused system projects•language generation•homework vehicle•increasing learner independence•integrates, extends and reinforces coursework

Certificate/Diploma Year 1 Term Projects

Description

•constructed with Project Skills Matrix•one term length (8 weeks)•one lesson each week•small collaborative groups•delivered by handbook or HyperStudio•extensive use of the World Wide Web from Term 3•assessment via group presentations•future integration of ILC curriculum

Extending the classroom:

Problem-Based Learning Projects

Certificate/Diploma Year 1 Term Projects

Extending the classroom:

Problem-Based Learning Projects

Project Skills Matrix

Extending the classroom:

Problem-Based Learning Projects

Project Skills Matrix

Extending the classroom:

Problem-Based Learning Projects

Project Skills Matrix

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Extending the classroom:

Problem-Based Learning Projects

HyperStudio Authoring Tool

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Extending the classroom:

Problem-Based Learning Projects

Business TechnologyTerm 1 Promoting the UAE Promoting the UAETerm 2 Setting up a Used Building your Workstation Car ShowroomTerm 3 Mobile Phone Project Mobile Phone ProjectTerm 4 Health and Fitness Creating a Web Site

Certificate/Diploma Year 1 Term Projects

Extending the classroom:

Problem-Based Learning Projects

Term 2 Business Project

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This project is delivered by a student handbook.

Students, working in small groups, must setup a used car showroom, buy their cars, rent the showroom, establish an office, hire staff, and advertise their opening of their showroom.

Extending the classroom:

Problem-Based Learning Projects

Term 4 Business Project

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This project is delivered by HyperStudio in the labs.

In this project, students explore a wide range of health and fitness issues such as purchasing gym equipment, weight, diabetes, smoking, and car accidents.

The Internet is used widely.

Extending the classroom:

Problem-Based Learning Projects

Term 2 Technology Project

This project is delivered by a student handbook.

In this project, students learn the main software and hardware components of a PC, then go out into the marketplace and find the best price.

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Extending the classroom:

Problem-Based Learning Projects

Term 4 Technology Project

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This project is delivered by a student handbook.

Students have to design a web page for technology to help them choose their specialty unit for Year 2.

Extending the classroom:

Problem-Based Learning Projects

Certificate/Diploma Year 1 Term Projects

Problems and Challenges

•our L2 learners require greater guidance•editing of materials to remove superfluous words•peer and self assessment •develop more independence•future integration of ILC curriculum

Extending the classroom: Problem-Based Learning Projects

The End