Problem Based Learning (PBL) can be a wonderful alternative or addition to more traditional types of instruction. After viewing the following Power Point presentation and the links provided, evaluate your teaching and how PBL could enhance your instruction. The Discussion Questions are posted at the end. “Problem-based learning (PBL) is a total approach to education. PBL is both a curriculum and a process” (Barrows and Kelson as quoted from Levine, 2001, para 1)PBL

Where PBL Began...  In the late 1960s, Dr. Howard Barrows developed PBL for the training of physicians at McMaster University in Ontario, Canada.  After much success, Dr. Barrows left McMaster University in order to set up PBL programs in other Medical schools across the United States (University of Cincinnati, 2007).  Today Medical schools and a growing number of undergraduate schools are following the PBL curriculum “One must reconsider what students really need to learn and the environment in which they learn. Much of the enthusiasm for the problem-based approach to learning comes from instructors who feel revitalized by the creative energy it releases.” Hal White, Creating Problems for PBL, from the Stanford University Newsletter on Teaching (2001).

Definition Problem Based Learning is a collaborative learning process that helps students find solutions to real world problems. Cut and paste the url below to view a short video that will outline how PBL works: OxXLw&feature=related

A Teacher’s Role  Teachers do not take on a traditional role when using PBL. Teachers do not spoon feed information to students.  Instead, teachers ask questions and facilitate understanding. Questions that cause the student to self-reflect on what they are learning.  “Why are you doing that?” or “How do you know that?”  When the teacher asks these questions the students are more aware of the process and therefore can use the same problem solving techniques for future learning.

A Student’s Role  PBL is “student-centered” and applies to real life situations that the student finds relevant. In a Problem Based Learning environment, the students have to solve the problems and come up with answers. Dr. De Gallow (2000) states that the student needs “…to take what information is known, reassemble it with information not known, and to derive a new body of knowledge” (para 4).  PBL necessitates the students use higher order thinking skills and meta-cognition. Manipulation of information leads to a better understanding of the problem and allows the student to apply this understanding in different situations.

PBL Advantages Disadvantages  Strengthens problem solving skills  Improves interpersonal skills  Improves written and oral communication  Makes learning relevant  Promotes self-directed instruction  Fosters self-assessment  Is only successful when coupled with proper facilitation  Can be seen as time consuming for some teachers

The Goals of PBL Develop student’s decision making skills Apply their knowledge in different circumstances Tailor problems to real world experiences Create collaborative classrooms Allow teacher differentiation and support Give students a forum to defend and justify their thought processes

Be complex & open ended Require a final product or performance Be realistic/connect with students experiences Require a multidisciplinary solution Promote conjecture & discussion Creating A Problem Based Learning Experience Note: Use Collaborative Problem-Solving Groups

Instructional strategies that use students' prior knowledge in an inquiry-based, hands-on format increases student learning (Covino & Iwanicki, 1996)

This Week’s Discussion The climate in education has changed primarily due to No Child Left Behind (NCLB) and the constant pressure of big stakes standardized testing. Reflect on your current teaching situation. Do you think that your teaching has become too passive? Do your current teaching strategies mirror real world situations? Do you feel your students are stimulated and motivated? Are the pressures of meeting state and federal goals changing they way you teach? Discuss Do you think your students would be more motivated by PBL? As a teacher could PBL instruction motivate & stimulate you? If you already use PBL in your classroom, share a success story.

Students who are exposed to PBL become life long learners. PBL instills a process of problem solving and shows them that what they are learning relates to the real world. Students become more self- reliant and independent, which are traits one will use again and again throughout life. As an educator are you giving your students these tools? Are your lessons encouraging your students to become life long learners? In Summary

References De Gallow. (2000). University of California-Irvine. What is problem based learning?. Retrieved November 7, 2009, from Hmelo-Silver, C.E., & Barrows, H.S. (2002). Goals and strategies of problem based learning. Retrieved November 7, 2009, from Levine, A. (2001). Marcopi Center for Learning and Instruction. Problem based learning. Retrieved November 7, 2009, from Stanford University. (2001,Winter). Problem-based Learning. Speaking of Teaching Stanford University Newsletter on Teaching. Vol.11. No.1 Retrieved from: Stronge, J. H., Tucker, P. D., Hindman, J. L. ( 2004). Handbook for qualities of effective teachers. Alexandria, VA: Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development. University of Cinncinnati. (2007). An introduction of problem based learning. Retrieved November 7, 2009, from

Rhonda Kiedinger Ashley McManus Jody Schmidt Jane White November 16, 2009 Educ 782 Instructional Analysis UW-Stout