PROBLEM BASED LEARNING

A.K.A. PBL

WHAT IS PBL?

• There are MANY definitions!

The Original Definition (Maybe)

• PBL is both a curriculum and a process. The curriculum consists of carefully selected and designed problems that demand from the learner acquisition of critical knowledge, problem solving proficiency, self-directed learning strategies and team participation skills. The process replicates the commonly used systemic approach to resolving problems or meeting challenges that are encountered in life and career (Barrows &Kelson).

WHAT IS PBL?

The definition we will accept for THIS COURSE:

• PBL is an instructional method that challenges students to "learn to learn," working cooperatively in groups to seek solutions to real world problems (Duch, 1995).

STRATEGY COMPARISON

Curriculum as Prescription• Teacher Centered• Linear and rational• Part to whole• Teaching as

transmitting• Learning as receiving• Structured

environment

Curriculum as Experience• Student Centered• Coherent and relevant• Whole to part• Teaching as facilitating• Learning as

constructing• Flexible environment

(Samford University, 2007)

PARADIGM SHIFT

The hardest part for educators is to CHANGE THE THINKING!

In most lessons, the role of the educator is to take a STANDARD and devise a lesson around it.  

The single GOAL is to help the student master the STANDARD!

PARADIGM SHIFT

With PBL the teacher must:

• START WITH THE PROBLEM

• BUILD A LESSON AROUND THE PROBLEM

• ALLOW STUDENTS TO OWN THE PROCESS 

• ALLOW STUDENTS TO CHOOSE THE TECHNOLOGY WITH WHICH THEY WILL PRESENT THEIR SOLUTION

• NOTE THE "MANY" STANDARDS THAT ARE ADDRESSED  DURING THE LESSON

PARADIGM SHIFT

With PBL the teacher must:

• The MAIN GOAL is for students to creatively and collaboratively SOLVE (or attempt to solve) A PROBLEM

• The INDIRECT GOALS are for students to MASTER MULTIPLE STANDARDS and SHOW THAT MASTERY through the process and presentation of their solution!!!!!!

STUDENT PRODUCT EXAMPLES -CAN YOU IDENTIFY THE PROBLEM STATEMENT?Precious is so Precious! (An old example of PBL at the 5th grade level...this is not a NEW concept!)

To Tattle or Not to Tattle...That is the Question. (An example of PBL at the Pre-school or Kindergarten level...PBL allows for age appropriate problem solving!)

**Show Example List HERE!(PBL_IdeasTH.doc)

IT BEGINS WITH A GREAT PROBLEM!

IT SHOULD ADDRESS A NUMBER OF STANDARDS

WHAT IS A REAL LIFE PROBLEM THAT MATTERS TO YOUR STUDENTS?

WHAT IS AN ISSUE, CHALLENGE, OR SCENARIO YOU CAN PRESENT YOUR STUDENTS?

****CHOOSE A PROBLEM THAT YOUR STUDENTS FACE AND WRITE A PROBLEM STATEMENT.  

WRITE YOUR PROBLEM STATEMENT

• Use the lesson plan template to help organize your plan

• Your problem statement should be written from the students' perspective.

• It should be one or two lines that describe the problem in student language...and one line for a general objective statement.

• The problem statement is a general, concise statement that will drive the instruction and inspire learning.

YOUR OBJECTIVES FOR TODAY! 

1.Choose a Problem Based Topic for your students2.Write your problem statement3.Write the rubric for your student product4.Create a teacher product to be used as you teach

the lesson