1. Problem-Based Learning Online Clearinghouse: Introductory Physics Curriculum George Watson and Barb Duch ghw@udel.edu bduch@udel.edu University of Delaware Spring 2001 CS-AAPT Meeting Loyola College April 21, 2001

2. “The principal idea behind PBL is… (Bould, 1985:13) that the starting point for learning should be a problem, a query, or a puzzle that the learner wishes to solve.”

3. 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

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

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

6. Characteristics of Good PBL Problems Relate to real-world, motivate students Require decision-making or judgements Multi-page, multi-stage Designed for group-solving Initial questions open-ended, encourages discussion Incorporates course content objectives Challenges to higher-order thinking

7. But…where are the problems? Typical end-of-chapter problems can be solved by rote memorization, pattern-match, and plug-and-chug techniques Good problems should require students to make assumptions and estimates, develop models, and work through the model. A source of problems outside the commercial texts needs to be developed. “The problem with problems,” E. Mazur, Optics and Photonic News 7, 59 (1996)

8. PBL Clearinghouse An online database of PBL articles and problems. All material is peer-reviewed by PBL practitioners for content and pedagogy. All problems are supported by learning objectives and resources, teaching and assessment notes. Holdings are searchable by author, discipline, keywords, or full text. Fully electronic submission, review, and publication cycle. Controlled access by free user subscription, students excluded.

9. A Brief Tour of the Clearinghouse Logging in to the Clearinghouse Applying to be a user Searching and Browsing the holdings Examining problem detail and supporting materials for a sample problem Managing Clearinghouse activities Submitting a problem for review

33. PBL Clearinghouse http://www.udel.edu/pblc/ PBL at the University of Delaware http://www.udel.edu/pbl/ Institute for Transforming Undergraduate Education http://www.udel.edu/itue/