A simple power point explaining what Problem Based Learning is and some of the pros and cons of using it in the classroom.

1. What is
c Peter Walden
it?

2. What is PBL?
?
Problem-based learning can be described very
broadly as learning that is centred around `a
problem, a query or a puzzle that the learner
wishes to solve' (Boud 1985: 13).
The term ‘problem based learning’ is usually
used to describe a curriculum approach which
is problem centred rather than discipline
centred.
http://www.csd.uwa.edu.au//newsletter/issue0496/pbl.html
Boud, D J (1985) Problem-based learning in perspective, in Boud, D J (ed) Problem-Based Learning in Education for the Professions.
Sydney: Higher Education Research and Development Society of Australasia.

3. What is PBL?
Where Did It Come From?
PBL originated in medical schools in the USA in the 1950s and was developed to
improve the quality of medical education.
What Is It ?
• PBL is student-centred.
• Students actively participate in their own learning.
• Students set many of their own goals so have ownership of their learning.
• Students play an active role in solving problems.
• Students work in groups to solve ‘real-world’ type problems.
• The teacher is a coach, guide, co-investigator and evaluator.

4. Characteristics of PBL
• Uses real world problems that are relevant and authentic.
• Students learn content and critical thinking skills while dealing with the problems.
• Problems are ill-structured.
PBL provides opportunities for students to develop a range of skills.
Information skills
Problem solving skills
Communication skills
PBL
Thinking skills
develops
Computing skills
Teamwork skills
Time management skills

5. The PBL Process
A Simplified Model
1. Meet the situation
2. Analyse the situation
3. Define the problem
4. Gather and share information
5. Refine the problem statement
6. Generate responses to the situation
7. Evaluate responses to situation
8. Reflect and evaluate performance
c Peter Walden

6. Why choose PBL?
c Peter Walden
There are a wide variety of learning models, and much debate as to
which is the ‘best’ one to use when developing curriculum or learning
activities. It has become widely accepted that there is no particular
model that is the ‘best’ but rather it is more appropriate to utilise a
range of models that best suit the learner’s needs. PBL is one model
that serves the needs of many students, challenges them, and allows
them to develop the skills to facilitate life long learning.

7. Why choose PBL?
"I was good at everything
-- honest, everything! --
until I started being here with you [in school].
I was good at laughing,
playing dead,
being king!
Yeah, I was good at everything!
But now I'm only good at everything on Saturdays
and Sundays . . .“
The Geraniums Just Died on the Windowsill, but Teacher You Went Right On p. 38
Of Chickens and Projects, Henry Olds
From Now On, The Educational Technology Journal, Vol 7, No 3, 1997
http://optin.iserver.net/fromnow/nov97/egg.html

8. Why choose PBL?
In an ideal world schools should be places where children:
• can experience a wide range of opportunities,
• face positive challenges,
• demonstrate the things that they are good at and learn to do the things
they need to improve upon,
• want to come to because they like being there,
• where learning is a wonderful thing to do.
Unfortunately most schools don’t fit these criteria and many students are
left feeling disempowered, disengaged and often, reluctant to attend
school at all.
Problem based learning allows students to become empowered,
motivated and engaged learners. They are participants in their own
learning rather than disinterested bystanders.
It provides learners with a holistic learning experience.

9. I like PBL because it's challenging and fun, because
you're learning something new; every problem's a little
different 'cause you're going for different goals in the
solutions.
—Cal, 4th Grade Student
Some kids question when you're
The most recent picture of my students teaching basic skills: "Why do we have
working in the library gathering information to learn this? When are we ever going
for a PBL exercise includes different to do this?" [With PBL] You're showing
images: them a reason, a specific, real-life
• Students excited about learning. situation. I'm teaching them basic
skills, but I'm giving them a reason.
• Students struggling to learn more —Linda Zakarian, 1st/2nd Grade Teacher
about(or understand more in depth).
• Students who would not normally even
talk to each other working together. Some students were immediately
• Students engaging in lively conversations hooked when they realized they owned
about school work. the problem. . . . Once they could see
that their ideas were indeed valid (or
• Students sharing magazines and why they were not) according to
information (not MAD but Scientific criteria they provided for
American.) themselves, then the grin appeared
—Nancy Baird, Gifted Resource Teacher and momentum picked up.
Franklin Middle School, Champaign, Ill. —Mary Biddle, Social Studies Teacher
Franklin Middle School, Champaign, Ill.

10. Advantages
• Emphasis on Meaning, Not Facts
• Increased Self Direction
• Higher Comprehension and Better Skill Development
• Interpersonal Skills and Teamwork
• Self-Motivated Attitude
• Level of Learning

11. • Cultural change
• Collaborative group skills
• Ownership of the problem
• Extra Workload
• More Time
• Additional Training
• Greater Costs