How to Write Lesson Plan Using the Problem-Based Instructional Model

What is Problem-Based Instruction?? Teacher presents a problem for students to solve or learn more about. Often these problems are framed in a scenario or case study format. Problems are designed to be "ill-structured" and to imitate the complexity of real life cases.

Students devise a plan for gathering more information, do the research and reconvene to share and summarize their new knowledge. Students may present their conclusions, and there may or may not be an end product.

Now. . . . .are you asking? How do I write that up correctly and make all my instructors and associate teachers happy?

Begin with the basic lesson plan template. . . Input information in Steps 1-7 and save Step 9 for after the lesson. It’s fairly straight forward! STEP 8 is the step that must include the procedure you will use to teach the lesson.

Look more closely at STEP 8 STEP 8 is composed of a sequence of 4 activities: 8.a. Introduction 8.b. A Sequence of Teaching and Learning 8.c. Application 8.d. Closure and Assessment Let’s examine this sequence of events!

We begin with the Introduction. . . TWO components Focus Activity HOOKS the learner Introduces the learning objective and ties this new content of the lesson to content student already knows (prior knowledge)

We begin with the 8a. Introduction. . . TWO components Focus Activity Advanced Organizer Tells students what they will be learning in the lesson EVERY lesson starts with these 2 activities!

Next is the “8B. Sequence of Teaching & Learning” This changes depending upon the learning objectives for the lesson: What do you want your students to be able to do, know, or be after the instruction? NEW content is presented with activities that ensure students learn content/skills/concepts!! Many instructional designers call these activities “developmental activities” because students “develop” new knowledge, skills, and concepts!

Next is the “8B. Sequence of Teaching & Learning” The learning outcomes for the problem-based instructional model are usually related to providing students with an opportunity to use higher order thinking, research, and organizational skills. Students will gather information and compile knowledge to present in some form!

Problem-based lessons are written up in 4 steps: Step 1: Teacher presents a problem to the students along with materials and resources .

Problem-based lessons are written up in 4 steps: Step 1: Problem Description Step 2: Students begin by discussing what they know, what they need to learn, and how they will learn about these topics. A research plan is devised.

Problem-based lessons are written up in 4 steps: Step 1: Problem Description Step 2: Research Plan Step 3: Students conduct research, summarize knowledge, and come to a consensus on problem solution.

Problem-based lessons are written up in 4 steps: Step 1: Problem Description Step 2: Research Plan Step 3: Problem Solution Step 4: Findings shared. This may or may not result in a project/product.

NOT really a part of the problem-based instructional model!! NOW. . .8C should describe any independent practice that occurs in the lesson. . . NOT really a part of the problem-based instructional model!! You could describe how you will facilitate groups in this paragraph!

8D will describe closure & assessments. . . Teacher asks several questions to help students summarize what was learned in the lesson (STUDENTS do the work)

8D should describe closure & assessments. . . Teacher asks several questions to help students summarize what was learned in the lesson (STUDENTS do the work) Teacher does NOT state what they learned in the lesson today. This is not closure!!

8D should describe closure & assessments. . . Documentation of student achievement Tests, quizzes, essays, reports, projects This is formal and usually marked! Not all lessons end with a formal assessment! EVERY lesson ends with a closure session!

TO REVIEW Presentation Steps: 1. Introduction Focus Activity ALL lesson plans have these two components! ONLY the developmental activities are different depending upon the instructional model being used! Presentation Steps: 1. Introduction Focus Activity Advanced Organizer 2. Developmental Activities Problem Description Research Plan Problem Solution Shared Findings 3) Assessment Activities Closure or review Formal Assessments TO REVIEW STEP 8 should have these steps!

TO REVIEW Presentation Steps: 1. Introduction Focus Activity Advanced Organizer 2. Developmental Activities Problem Description Research Plan Problem Solution Shared Findings 3) Assessment Activities Closure or review Formal Assessments TO REVIEW STEP 8 should have these steps! Lesson plans using Problem-Based Instructional Model should have these steps here!

Check out a sample lesson plan! http://www.figg.com/ired320/portfolio/problem_plan.htm Then complete the Drag and Drop for this eBook!

That’s it!! Simple as 1-2-3??? QUESTIONS???