Problem Based Learning Karl S. Olimpo

Problem Based Learning

• An instructional method which focuses on the investigation and resolution of messy, “real world” problems as a context for students to learn critical thinking and problem solving skills

• “Students work individually and/or in groups to solve challenging problems that are authentic, curriculum-based, and often interdisciplinary”

Benefits of PBL

• Makes learning relevant to the real world

• Moves learning from a passive activity to an active activity -- learning becomes the act of discovery

Benefits of PBL

• Increases motivation -- students are more engaged, interested, and energetic learners as they make a personal investment in the outcome of their inquiry• Promotes an interdisciplinary approach to learning• Promotes collaborative learning• Requires advanced cognitive skills, higher order thinking

Comparison of teaching methods

Role of Teacher:

• As expert:– Directs Thinking– Holds Knowledge

– Evaluates Students

Role of Student:

• As receiver:– Inert– Inactive

– Empty

Lecture

Comparison of teaching methods

Role of Teacher:

• As coach:

– Presents problematic situation

– Models, coaches, and fades

– Engages in process as co-investigator

– Assesses learning

Role of Student:

• As participant:

– Actively grapples with the complexity of the situation

– Investigates and resolves problem from the inside

Problem-Based Learning

Teachers = Active Coaches

• Diagnosing needs

• Mentoring learning• Encouraging

process• Questioning thinking• Modeling inquiry

5 Models in Implementing PBL

1. Present the problem. As the teacher, you introduce an "ill-structured" problem (or scenario) to the students.

2. List what is known. In answering the basic questions above, students begin by listing what they know about the problem.

3. List what is needed. Now that the problem is developed, students need to find information to fill in missing gaps

4. List possible actions, recommendations, solutions, or hypotheses. Under the heading: "What should we do?"

5. Present and support the solution. As part of closure, teachers generally require students to communicate their findings and recommendations.

Angels, this is your mission

It's a steamy summer day in Atlanta when suddenly 

the power blinks out over the entire city! To make matters worse, all of the electricians in the area are out of town at a conference.

Mayor Shirley Franklin is offering a $20,000 reward to anyone who can put together a proposal that details what probably went wrong and how to fix it.

Since you are in a suburb that still has power, help your Atlanta friends put together a presentation for the mayor so the problem can be fixed and you can win the reward.