Problem Based Learning

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Problem Based Learning

• Heartland Community College
• IDC

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Problem Based Learning

• History
• Dewey Engagement
• Case Western Reserve in 1950s
• 60s Discovery Based Learning
• 70s Case Methods
• McMaster University in Canada Med. School
• Most popular in Health, Science, Math

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Problem Based Learning

• Definition
• Problem-based learning is a development and
  instructional approach built around an
  ill-structured problem which is mess and complex
  in nature requires inquiry, information-gathering
  , and reflection is changing and tentative and
  has no simple, fixed, formulaic, right solution
  (Finkle Torp, 1995).

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Problem Based Learning

• Comparisons to Lecture Based
• Student Focus vs. Teacher Focus
• Self-discovery vs. Information Processing
• Active vs. Passive
• Collaborative vs. Individual
• Non-Linear vs. Linear
• Quality of Info. vs. Quantity of Info.
• Application vs. Memory

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Problem Based Learning

• Key Steps in the PBL Process
• 1. Identify Problem
• authentic
• complex, open ended, fuzzy
• tied to learning outcomes
• tied to previous knowledge
• interesting

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Problem Based Learning

• Key Steps in the PBL Process
• 1. Identify Problem
• Requires Interpretation
• Requires team approach
• Focus on scope and significance

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Problem Based Learning

• Key Steps in the PBL Process
• 2. Research
• What do we know/need
• Is there enough out there?
• Present Places to start
• Have check points/due dates
• Monitor sources
• Push Students/Socratic Method

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Problem Based Learning

• Key Steps in the PBL Process
• 3. Present Findings
• What is being presented?
• Provide Support/Evidence
• Make the final product interesting
• Make it interactive
• Allow for reflection
• Assess

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Problem Based Learning

• Some Random Issues
• Semester long vs. Unit/Class
• Reign in vs. Free reign
• Prep for group work vs. Have at it
• Assess final product vs. during production
• List resources vs. find resources

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Problem Based Learning

• Some Random Issues (Continued)
• In Class vs. Out of Class
• Permanent groups vs. fluid groups

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Problem Based Learning

• Some Examples
• Political Science Cases
• Writing Client Problems, Audience Problems,
  Teaching Problems
• Literature/Theatre Play production problems,
  Author biography problems
• Art Forgery Problems

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Problem Based Learning

• Some Examples (Continued)
• Math and Science Environmental Problems,
  Architectural Problems, Rocket Ship Problems
• History What if Problems, Reconstructed
  Problems

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Problem Based Learning

• Some Random Tips
• Ask Peers about Problems
• Prepare Students for this Style
• Convert Lecture into Questions
• Convert Exam Questions into Problems
• Solicit Feedback Continually/CATs
• Level the Problems

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Problem Based Learning

• Some Random Tips (Continued)
• Use Current events and multi-media
• Connect students with experts
• Instructor Creates Groups
• Use Rubrics
• Identify stakeholders connected to problem
• Know your schedule

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Problem Based Learning

• Some Random Tips (Continued)
• Create Process Guide (expectations, group work
  presentations, processes, evaluations)
• You Should Map Out the Process Yourself as a
  Check.
• Keep Journals
• Seek out Peers who do PBL

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Problem Based Learning

• Possible Examples from Your Classes

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Problem Based Learning

• References
• http//www.ntlf.com/html/pi/9812/pbl_1.htm
• http//www.ntlf.com/html/pi/9812/toc.htm
• http//www.udel.edu/pbl/
• http//www.samford.edu/pbl/definitions.html
• http//www2.imsa.edu/programs/pbln/
• http//edweb.sdsu.edu/clrit/PBL_WebQuest.html
• http//www.cotf.edu/ete/teacher/teacherout.html