Teaching Research/Problem Solving Skills with The Public Policy Analyst (PPA): A Problem-Based Learning (PBL) Application

Workshop Presenters: Syracuse University: Jim Carroll Ira Gelernter Region 2 (Bronx School District) Kate O’Hara Fred Fisher Art Fortin

Workshop Overview Overview of Problem-Based Learning Overview of The Public Policy Analyst Using the PPA to Analyze a problem Examples of WebQuests Using the PPA

“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, D. (1985) PBL in Perspective. In “PBL in Education for the Professions,” D. Boud (ed); p. 13

“True learning is based on discovery guided by mentoring rather than the transmission of knowledge.” John Dewey

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

The PPA is a PBL tool used in… Project TIPS ( ): a $7M+ USDOE Technology Challenge Grant (Bronx) Project CRITICAL( ): a $3M Gifted Education Grant in Harlem Project CHARACTER( ): a $3M Character Ed. grant in Harlem

Let’s Take a Look at The Public Policy AnalystThe Public Policy Analyst

The PPA Process: 1.Define the ProblemDefine the Problem 2.Gather EvidenceGather Evidence 3.Identify CausesIdentify Causes 4.Evaluate Existing PoliciesEvaluate Existing Policies 5.Develop SolutionsDevelop Solutions 6.Select Best SolutionsSelect Best Solutions

Let’s use the PPA to analyze a problem in most colleges: Grade Inflation

PPA Step #1:Define the ProblemDefine the Problem As faculty members at Your College, you feel that too many students receive “A’s” today compared to years ago. You feel that Your College has Grade Inflation!

PPA Step #1:Define the ProblemDefine the Problem Let’s share some definitions of the problem from our groups

PPA Step #2: Gather Evidence What type of evidence can you gather to support your social problem that Your College has Grade Inflation! (Hint: You may research grade inflation at other colleges and infer that such data suggest it also exists at Your College) Go to Step #2

PPA Step #2: Gather EvidenceGather Evidence Let’s share some evidence of the problem from our groups

PPA Step #3: Identify Causes What are the causes or factors that contribute to Grade Inflation at Your College? Go to Step #3

PPA Step #3: Identify Causes Let’s share some causes or contributory factors of the problem from our groups

PPA Step #4:Evaluate Existing PolicyEvaluate Existing Policy Princeton recently enacted a policy to confront its grade inflation problem.

PPA Step #4: Evaluate Existing Policy Since Your College does not have an existing policy, let’s evaluate Princeton’s in this video clip

PPA Step #4: Evaluate Existing Policy Let’s share some evaluations of the existing policy from our groups

PPA Step #5: Develop Solutions State 3 public policy solutions for Your College’s Grade Inflation problem

PPA Step #5: Develop Solutions Let’s share some public policy solutions from our groups

PPA Step #6: Select Best Solution Select the best public policy solution for Your College’s Grade Inflation problem based on feasibility and effectiveness

PPA Step #6: Select Best Solutions Let’s share some best public policy solutions from our groups

Project TIPS teachers use the PPA with their students through incorporating it into WebQuests WebQuests