1. Experience It Yourself: Introduction to Problem-Based Learning
George H. Watson,
University of Delaware
Thomas Jefferson University
July 18, 2005

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

3. “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)

4. Home groups Please form groups of three or four participants.
Each group should have diverse representation of students and faculty members (by discipline) to the extent possible.
As a home group, we will work through the activities on the next few slides

5. Deflating Grady – Part 1
Read over the exchange and discuss the ideas it raises about grade inflation
As a group, compose a definition of grade inflation and be prepared to present it.
Be prepared to “report out” in 10 minutes

6. Deflating Grady – Part II
Read over the information presented, and be prepared to report out on your answers to questions 1 or 2:
Be prepared to “report out” in 10 minutes

7. Deflating Grady – Part III
Take a look at the graph from gradeinflation.com:
According to your group’s definition, is this evidence for grade inflation?

8. Deflating Grady – Part IV
Identifying stake holders

9. Strategies Used to Teach
This Problem
“Mini” lecture to introduce problem
Instructor provided input at regular intervals
Mechanism for groups to compare notes
Instructor circulated amongst the groups
Instructor provided some resources
Problem constructed to allow for 1-5
Problem constructed to provide learner prompts for PBL novices