Using Problem-Based Learning as a Tool to Enhance the Freshman Year Transition Experience

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Using Problem-Based Learning as a Tool to Enhance
the Freshman Year Transition Experience

• Dr. Linda McDowell Dr. Carol Y. Phillips
• Millersville University

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The Learning Experience

• Linked courses
• Seminar Course
• Classroom in Harbold Hall
• Problem-Based Learning
• Co-curricular, Extracurricular and Service
  Learning Requirements
• Career Exploration for Undecided Majors

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Freshman Seminar

• Faculty Seminar Training
• Faculty Role - Facilitator
• Problem-Based Learning Approach Relevance for
  Entering Students
• Service-Learning Component
• Co-curricular and Extracurricular Requirements

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Problem-Based Learning

• Educational basis
• Themes for Problems Reflect Research on
  First-Year Students
• Problems Reflect Issues Students Should Discuss
  as Identified by the Committee

• Problems Really Connected with Students
• Student Enjoyment
• Creative Presentations
• Multiple Media Techniques Used

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Problems

• Choosing/Exploring a Major
• Plagiarism/Academic Dishonesty
• Conflict Resolution
• Alcohol Abuse
• Diversity

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Seminar Course Evaluation
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Focus Group FindingsFYE Students and Peer
Mentors

• Enjoyed Most about Experience
• Learning community fostered study groups
• Meeting many different people
• Living with all freshmen all going through it
  together
• Peer Mentors

• Enjoyed Most about Seminar
• Class - very relaxed setting
• Problem-based learning experiences got the
  group going
• Discussions, class very interactive
• Professor as adviser

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Seminar Evaluation Journal Entries

• Makes us think and reflect.
• Has opened my eyes to consequences and actions
  that occur from decisions I have made. I really
  have responsibility and must make wise choices.
• Everyone learns from mistakes and problems.
• Excellent way of educating linked to the real
  world.

• In researching alcohol abuse, I learned more than
  I knew before. Researching was easy because much
  was on-line.
• Working in groups is great work is shared and
  we learn from one another.
• PBL(plagiarism) looking at research and
  learning about consequences learned a lot.

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Considerations in Designing PBL

• Possible Topics
• Civic responsibility
• Cultural diversity
• Exploring a major
• Student development, stress management
• Academic integrity
• Content-based experiences
• Student self-selection

• Embedded Concepts
• Campus resources
• Study Skills note taking, expository writing,
  test taking,
• Time management
• Teamwork
• Critical thinking/problem-solving

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