PROBLEMBASED LEARNING What is It Problem Based Learning

PROBLEM-BASED LEARNING

What is It? Problem Based Learning (PBL), is a student-centered instructional strategy pioneered by Mc. Master University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada, in which students collaboratively solve problems and reflect on their experiences. Characteristics of PBL are: §Learning is driven by challenging, open-ended problems. §Students work in small collaborative groups. §Teachers take on the role as "facilitators" of learning. Students are encouraged to take the responsibility for their group by organizing and directing their learning process with support from their instructor. Educators claim PBL enhances students content knowledge and fosters the development of communication, problem-solving, and self-directed learning skills.

History of PBL Since Problem-based learning's inception at Mc. Master University Medical School over 25 years ago, it has been implemented in various undergraduate and graduate programs around the world. Additionally, numerous elementary and secondary schools have adopted PBL.

Problem Based Learning Process

Change of Roles In problem-based learning, the traditional roles of teacher and student change. v. The students assume increasing responsibility for their learning, giving them more motivation and more feelings of accomplishment, setting the pattern for them to become successful life-long learners. v. The teacher becomes an evaluator, a supporter, and a resource as they guide the students in their problem solving efforts.

Why Use Problem-Based Learning? • Theorists in favor of utilizing PBL claim that learning occurs only within the context of activity and is securely tied to the situation in which it occurs. • PBL is a better representation of the way learning occurs in the world outside the classroom. Thereby enabling the student to be better prepared for what the world may have in store for them.

Benefits of Using PBL It is engaging therefore it is motivating. • Cognitive components and motivational components become intertwined. • Projects teach students to be mastery-oriented, notability oriented, and responsible. • Students become learning-oriented rather than performance oriented. • Students are task-involved when in the “role” of instructor. • Project-based methods motivate students more than any other teaching method.

What are educators using PBL discovering? PBL increases the likelihood of successful transfer of information, a primary consideration of teachers. The literature on information transfer suggests that transferable learning experiences occur in an environment characterized by: Meaningful activities Expert guidance Knowledge-building collaboration

Why do educators continue to use PBL? To promote desirable student outcomes: • Intentional learning • Relational understanding • Critical thinking • Creative thinking • Effective collaboration • Versatile communication

Strengths and Weaknesses It’s wonderful! • High engagement • Self-directed learning It’s hard! • Giving up control • Developing a “good” problem It’s time-consuming! • Consistent use of guided inquiry • Planning • Implementing It’s different! • Student driven • Problems prompt, rather than follow skill development

Results From Implementing PBL ØStudents involved in PBL acquire knowledge and become proficient in problem solving, self-directed learning, and team participation. ØStudies show that PBL students do as well as their counterparts from traditional classrooms on national exams, but are in fact better practitioners of their professions.

Problem Based Learning Student Driven A Quest For Knowledge Exploration Solutions, Not Answers Questioning Builds Confidence Reflection Critical Thinking Skills

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