Problem Based Learning

Problem Based LearningBy: Courtney, Pablo, Kathy, Jorge, & KatieWhat is PBL?Student-centered- rather than sitting in a lecture, students are encouraged to solve problems set in a real world framework.PBL is a constructivist theory.

http://www.iop.org/education/higher_education/stem/problem-based/page_50125.html

The problems are often complex and open-ended, requiring real thought and inquiry. The students work together in small groups supported by a staff facilitator. The groups enable the students to test and develop their level of understanding as they discuss their theories and findings with others.

http://www.iop.org/education/higher_education/stem/problem-based/page_50125.htmlA PBL approach means that students take a greater part in their own learning.Underlying Theories of PBLCognitivismJerome BrunerEpistemic MotivationPragmatismJohn DeweyPrinciple of Autonomous Learning

History of PBLPBL originated in the medical fieldMedical school programs found lectures followed by clinicals to be an ineffective way to produce future physicians. A new strategy of learning was created due to the new technology and medical discoveries.Late 1950s- Case Western Reserve University Late 1960s- McMaster University in Canada http://online.sfsu.edu/~rpurser/revised/pages/problem.htm

Why PBL?From kindergarten to college, students who are taught through direct instruction are found to be bored with their education.Students have trouble seeing that what they are being taught has relevance to real-world situations.http://online.sfsu.edu/~rpurser/revised/pages/problem.htm

The advantages of PBLPBL can give students a deeper understanding of the theories and principles behind the material and can be more engaging than a direct instruction approach.PBL eases transition to life beyond school as it mirrors how people work in the real world.Encountering a complex problem Working in a group/collaborationDividing up tasks Employing communication skills/respect Promotes critical thinkingPromotes self-directed learningAll aspects of real-life jobs!

Research on PBL effectivenessResults indicated high levels of perceived success with problem-based learning. On all the identified components of changes in students learning processes and self-efficacyself-confidence, group dynamics, self-motivation, and independenceall students indicated problem-based learning had positive reactions. Results indicated all students benefited from problem-based learning in one way or another.Nancy Cerezo, University of North Carolina Greensboro, Greensboro, North Carolina Problem-Based Learning in The Middle School: A Research Case Study of the Perceptions of At-Risk Females, Published by RMLE Online, Research in Middle Level Education, 2004 Volume 27, Number 1.

Research study done by Ahmed Faris in 2008 evaluated if PBL implementation in a 9th grade science class full of students who typically show disinterest in learning about science could have a positive impact. The conclusion of the research showed that 22 of the 25 students that participated indicated that they now had a high interest in learning science. Characteristics of PBLA predetermined set of steps to analyze and solve a problem description, or 'task'A group of students meeting up to 'tackle the problem' in one or more phases of the PBL process A facilitator, coaching the group's learning process Self-formulated learning goals, directing individual study activities A rich and accessible learning environment

http://wiki.triastelematica.org/index.php/Education:Problem-based_learningPhases of Problem SolvingPhase 1- Pre-discussion as a groupClarifying text and termsBrainstormAnalyze problem and possible solutionsFormulate individual objectivesPhase 2- Individual study in order to help meet group objectivesIndividual work to accomplish set goals and to gain an understanding that will ensure a complete projectPhase 3- Post-discussion as a groupThe group members bring together their findings, discuss and come to an agreement on the solution

http://wiki.triastelematica.org/index.php/Education:Problem-based_learning

Why are some critical of PBL?Might be too abstract for concrete-thinkers.Ill-structured learning negates teacher planning and active instruction.Influence of the facilitator on the groupNegative group dynamicsTechnology and PBLAs students are using new technology to create their solution, they are learning new ways to implement that new technology.As teams construct their presentations, they can use social networking or collaborative websites.Success was determined, rather, by whether or not the students "owned" the problem as a real problem for them, as the problem with which they really were engaged.

http://wik.ed.uiuc.edu/index.php/Problem-Based_Learning_in_Middle_and_High_School

PBL problem set for Physicshttp://www.iop.org/education/higher_education/stem/resources/page_43344.html