Comparison of Teacher-Centered and Learner-Centered Paradigms From Figure 1-2 in Huba and Freed, Learner-Centered Assessment on College Campuses: Shifting the Focus from Teaching to Learning, 2000 Introduction to Problem-Based Learning University of Delaware Institute for Transforming Undergraduate Education American University of Beirut, Lebanon April 20, 2004 George Watson

Delaware… Dela where?

…the individuals learning the most in the teacher-centered classrooms are the teachers there. They have reserved for themselves the very conditions that promote learning: What I know best I have taught… Page 35, Huba and Freed, Learner-Centered Assessment on College Campuses: Shifting the Focus from Teaching to Learning, 2000 actively seeking new information, integrating it with what is known, organizing it in a meaningful way, and explaining it to others.

First, an exercise: 1.Individually, write down five words or short phrases that come to mind when you think of: Student-Centered Learning 2.In small groups, select three “most important”. 3.Finally, prepare to report out one choice.

Comparison of Paradigms Teacher-Centered Learner-Centered Knowledge is transmitted from professor to student. Students construct knowledge through gathering and synthesizing information and integrating it with the general skills of inquiry, communication, critical thinking, and problem solving.

Comparison of Paradigms Teacher-Centered Learner-Centered Students passively receive information. Students are actively involved.

Comparison of Paradigms Teacher-Centered Learner-Centered Emphasis is on acquisition of knowledge outside the context in which it will be used. Emphasis is on using and communicating knowledge effectively to address enduring and emerging issues and problems in real-life contexts.

Comparison of Paradigms Teacher-Centered Learner-Centered Instructor’s role is to be primary information giver and primary evaluator. Instructor’s role is to coach and facilitate. Instructor and students evaluate learning together.

Comparison of Paradigms Teacher-Centered Learner-Centered Emphasis is on right answers. Emphasis is on generating better questions and learning from errors.

Comparison of Paradigms Teacher-Centered Learner-Centered Focus is on a single discipline. Approach is compatible with interdisciplinary investigation.

Comparison of Paradigms Teacher-Centered Learner-Centered Culture is competitive and individualistic. Culture is cooperative, collaborative, and supportive.

Comparison of Paradigms Teacher-Centered Learner-Centered Only students are viewed as learners. Professor and students learn together.

Questions and Reflections

An Introduction to Problem-Based Learning

What is Problem-Based Learning? PBL prepares students to think critically and analytically, and to find and use appropriate learning resources. PBL is a learning approach that challenges students to “learn to learn,” working cooperatively in groups to seek solutions to real world problems.

“The principal idea behind PBL is that the starting point for learning should be a problem, a query, or a puzzle that the learner wishes to solve.” Boud (1985)

“…careful inspection of methods which are permanently successful in formal education…will reveal that they depend for their efficiency upon the fact that they go back to the type of situation which causes reflection out of school in ordinary life. They give pupils something to do, not something to learn; and if the doing is of such a nature as to demand thinking, or the intentional noting of connections; learning naturally results.” John Dewey (1916)

What are the Common Features of PBL? Learning is initiated by a problem. Problems are based on complex, real-world situations. All information needed to solve problem is not initially given. Students identify, find, and use appropriate resources. Students work in permanent groups.

Students are presented with a problem. They organize ideas and previous knowledge. Students pose questions, defining what they know and do not know. Assign responsibility for questions, discuss resources. Reconvene, explore newly learned information, refine questions. PBL: The Process

Problem-Based Learning Cycle Overview Problem, Project, or Assignment Group Discussion Research Group Discussion Preparation of Group “Product” Whole Class Discussion Mini-lecture (only if needed!)

A Typical Day in a PBL Course

Characteristics Needed in College Graduates High level of communication skills Ability to define problems, gather and evaluate information, develop solutions Team skills -- ability to work with others Ability to use all of the above to address problems in a complex real-world setting Quality Assurance in Undergraduate Education (1994) Wingspread Conference, ECS, Boulder, CO.

Recommendations from the Carnegie Foundation Make research-based learning the standard. Build inquiry-based learning throughout the four years. Link communication skills and course work. Use information technology effectively. Cultivate a sense of community. Boyer Commission, 1998

The principal idea behind PBL is? A.PBL challenges students to learn to learn. B.Learning is initiated by a problem. C.Student-centered work in permanent groups.

“The principal idea behind PBL is that the starting point for learning should be a problem, a query, or a puzzle that the learner wishes to solve.” Boud (1985)

A. PBL challenges students to learn to learn. B. Learning is initiated by a problem. C. Student-centered work in permanent groups. Think/ pair/ share The principal idea behind PBL is?

Compelling Features of PBL for New Adapters Models itself on how students learn. With information overload, prepares students to be life-long learners. More realistic curriculum prepares students for world outside the classroom. Ensures more up-to-date materials, content. Generates enthusiasm among faculty. Boud and Feletti, 1998

Outcomes? Moving away from: Are students getting the right answer?

Outcomes? Moving to: Can students demonstrate the qualities that we value in educated persons, the qualities we expect of college graduates?

Outcomes? Moving to: Can students gather and evaluate new information, think critically, reason effectively, and solve problems?

Outcomes? Moving to: Can [students] communicate clearly, drawing upon evidence to provide a basis for argumentation?

Outcomes? Moving to: Do [students’] decisions and judgments reflect understanding of universal truths[/concepts] in the humanities and arts [etc.]?

Outcomes? Moving to: Can [students] work respectfully and productively with others?

Outcomes? Moving to: Do [students] have self-regulating qualities like persistence and time management that will help them reach long-term goals?

Questions and Reflections