PROBLEM BASED LEARNING

So…What is Problem Based Learning?

Problem-based learning (PBL) is a student-centered pedagogy in which students learn about a subject through the experience of problem solving.

OK…can you simplify that definition?

Problem-based Learning really is just what its name implies…allowing students to learn through solving real-world problems.

Let’s look at the four essential components of PBL.

Component 1: The Studentis the problem solver

Student as Problem Solver• Defines problems and conditions for resolution• Establishes a context for learning• Pursues meaning and understanding• Becomes a self-directed learner

Component 2: The Problemis real-world and ill-structured

Problem asCurricular Organizer

• Highlights need for inquiry• Attracts and sustains student interest• Connects school learning and the real world• Enables meaningful learning

Component 3: The Curriculumis engaging on multiple levels

Curriculum asExperience

• Fosters Active Learning• Supports Knowledge Construction• Integrates Content Areas• Provides Relevance

Component 4: The Teacher Librarian

is the cognitive coach

Librarian asCognitive Coach

• Models Interest• Coaches Thinking• Presents Effective Learning Strategies• Nurtures Environment of Open Inquiry

Mod

erat

or

Students

Experience

Proble

m

Coach

The components of PBLInform the Process

Present Problem

Students define the problem and

brainstorm ideas based on prior

knowledge.

Students engage in independent study.

Students share information, engage

in peer teaching, and work toward a

solution.

Students present their solution and review what they

have learned.

Students engage in self, peer, and coach

review of the process.

PBL Process

Choosing Ill-Structured Problems Two Examples

Kindergarten

Invasive insects are eating the leaves off plants in the school garden, investigate and determine appropriate actions to rejuvenate the garden so that all plants are healthy and beneficial insects thrive.

12th Grade

Design a logo and a brand for the upcoming community art show. Incorporate what you know about good design into your marketing and promotion plan.

Resource

Below is the link to the website PBLNetwork: Collaborative Inquiry in Action.

http://pbln.imsa.edu/model/scenarios/

On this web page, you will find a number of examples of problem based learning scenarios that can be used with learners of all ages, from primary through adult.

Sample Standards

Problem-based Learning supports a variety of standards related to critical thinking and problem solving.

For AASL Standard 1: Inquire, think critically, and gain knowledge.

A PBL learning scenario would support:AASL Indicator 1.1.3: Develop and refine a range of questions to frame the search for new understanding.

The benchmarks used to define the success of meeting this indicator could be to:Explore problems or questions for which there are multiple answers or no “best” answer.Review the initial information needed to clarify, revise, or refine the question.

Proble

m

Multiple

Solutio

ns

Think “authentic assessment”• Self-reflection• Peer-reflection• Process Assessment• Portfolio Assessment• Presentation Assessment• Effective Constructive

Feedback

AssessingThe Problem Based Learning Process

Problem Based Learning is not right all the time…

…even if you can’t incorporate 100% PBL, think about ways you

can present your students with real world problems to solve.

What You Need to Implement Problem Based Learning

Scheduled Independen

t Study Time

Frequent Opportuniti

es for Feedback

Well Designed,

Ill-Structured

Problem

Ability to Model

Process Skills

Focus on Real World

HOW WILL YOU APPLY PROBLEM

BASED LEARNING?

Problem Based Learning Resources

Problem Based Learning Network: Collaborative Inquiry in Actionhttp://pbln.imsa.edu/model/intro/index.htmlThis site from the Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy provides a number of pages describing PBL, its planning, implementation and assessment. The site also provides a number of links to PBL resource.

Eye on Educationhttp://tinyurl.com/cbwna5zBlog Post “White Paper: Project-Based vs. Problem-Based Learning: Which is Better for the Common Core?”And

http://tinyurl.com/c6mgfhnBlog Post “6 Easy Steps for Designing Problem-Based Learning Assignments”

TeacherTubehttp://www.teachertube.com/viewVideo.php?video_id=12968This video, “Problem Based Learning—Creating a Driving Question,” is just under ten minutes and presents specific strategies for creating a good “driving question” as the basis of a Problem Based Learning scenario.

The following articles also proved useful to understanding PBL in the classroom.

Hmelo-Silver, C. E. (2004). Problem-based learning: what and how do students learn? Educational Psychology Review 16 (3): 235-266. doi: 10.1023/B:EDPR.0000034022.16470.F3

Ward, J. D. & Lee, C. L. (2002). A review of problem-based learning. Journal of Family and Consumer Sciences Education 20 (1): 16-26. Retrieved February 20, 2013 from http://www.natefacs.org/JFCSE/v20no1/v20no1Ward.pdf.