Problem-based learning (PBL) is an instructional strategy where students work in groups to solve an open-ended problem. It represents a shift from a teacher-centered approach where the teacher demonstrates and tests knowledge, to a student-centered approach where students discover knowledge through collaboration and hands-on problem solving. PBL cultivates critical thinking skills and student engagement. It allows students to develop creativity and independence by managing their own activities. PBL requires teachers to shift their goals from knowledge transmission to knowledge construction, and to focus on facilitating self-assessment over external evaluation.
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Problem based learning
1. Problem-based Learning
What is PBL?
A learning strategy characterized by self-
directed active learning starting with an “ill-
structured problem” before any instruction
Learners probe deeply into issues searching
for connections, grappling with complexity
and using knowledge to fashion solutions
An excellent instructional method that can
cultivate students’ critical thinking, develop
their abilities to analyze and solve problems
4. Why PBL?
Asks students to demonstrate understanding,
not to just gather and rewrite information
Builds critical thinking and reasoning skills
Promotes student creativity and
independence
Allows students to manage their own
activities
Can change bored students into engaged
students
http://www.edutopia.org/project-learning-introdu
5. Successful MS Strategies
Student choice
Student decision making
Student involvement in self assessment
Frequent reformation of groups
Cooperative learning
Alternative assessments such as portfolios
Challenging, complex work
Anderman, Lynley Hicks, Midgley, Carol . "Motivation and Middle School Students." ERIC Digest 1997.
6/30/10 <http://www.ericdigests.org/1999-1/motivation.html>.
6. PBL in K-12
Solve a complex question or problem through a
collaborative process of investigation
Learn content, information, and facts necessary
to draw conclusions about the question
Learn valuable skills and habits of mind
Are evaluated on their ability to reason and
apply knowledge as they work on a problem
http://www.edutopia.org/project-based-learning-o
7. K-12 con’t
Students work in flexible groups to solve
challenging problems that are authentic,
curriculum-based, and often interdisciplinary
Students create knowledge and understanding
through learning activities built around
intellectual inquiry and a high degree of
engagement* with meaningful tasks
Projects take the role traditionally given to tests
and quizzes
8. What does PBL require of
teachers?
Costa and Kallick articulate 3 "curriculum mind shifts"
educators must undergo in the areas of goals & outcomes,
instruction and assessment as we position ourselves to lead
learning in the 21st century:
Mind shift #1: From knowing the right answers to knowing how
to behave when answers are not readily apparent.
Mind shift #2: From transmitting meaning to constructing
meaning.
Mind shift #3: From external evaluation to self-assessment.
Retrieved from
http://www.ascd.org/publications/books/109008/chapters/It-Takes-Some-Getting-Used-To@-Reth
Notes de l'éditeur
. Ill-structured problems, on the other hand, are messy like the problems that are faced in everyday life and in professional practice Students may need to draw from multiple disciplines
Teacher has already taught the material that will be covered on the test
It’s all about the teacher
Students learn the material as they need it working through the problem
It’s all about the student
Research shows that the most successful middle school teaching model uses these strategies which also happen to be strategies employed in PBL
PROJECT BASES LEARNING and PROBLEM based learning are similar, and the terms are sometimes used interchangeably. Both are based on a method inquiry into an authentic problem or question. Problem based learning is a term more commonly used in colleges and universities, while Project Based Learning is a term used in K -12 education in the United States. Outside the United States, problem based learning or ‘project work’ is the more common term for PBL.
Project learning is often initiated with a Driving Questions whereas Problem-based learning begins with a problem, not just a question
Seymour Papert is an MIT mathematician, computer scientist, and educator. He is one of the pioneers of artificial intelligence, as well as an inventor of the Logo programming language.
* Problems are deliberately written to engage stu interest.PROJECT BASEd LEARNING and PROBLEM based learning are similar, and the terms are sometimes used interchangeably. Both are based on a method inquiry into an authentic problem or question. Problem based learning is a term more commonly used in colleges and universities, while Project Based Learning is a term used in K -12 education in the United States. Outside the United States, problem based learning or ‘project work’ is the more common term for PBL.
Seymour Papert is an MIT mathematician, computer scientist, and educator. He is one of the pioneers of artificial intelligence, as well as an inventor of the Logo programming language.