1. Problem-Based Learning Models
4/26/2017
Problem-Based Learning Models
A teaching strategy designed to teach problem-solving skills and content, and to develop self-directed learning
Two models:
Problem-Solving Model
Inquiry Model
Eggen & Kauchak Strategies & Models for Teachers

2. Video Clip
Classroom Observation: Tim Bedley 4/5 Combo Class

3. Problem-Based Learning: An Overview
3 Common characteristics:
Problems used as a focal point for student inquiry / investigation
Students are actively involved in solving problems or answering questions
Teachers facilitate & guide

4. Teacher’s Role as a Facilitator:
Pose problems
Ask probing questions
Create risk-free environment
Develop high interest challenges
Monitor progress

5. Goals of Problem-Based Learning Model
3 Interrelated goals:
To develop student understanding & ability to investigate systematically
To develop self-directed learning
To acquire content knowledge
(not a major goal)

6. Theoretical Foundations of Problem Solving Model
Based on work of
John Dewey: experiential learning
2. Lev Vygotsky: socio-cultural, interactive learning

7. John Dewey
Beliefs:
Children learn by exploring their environment
Children learn by interacting with others – especially their peers
Schools need to take advantage of how children learn
Knowledge should be delivered through teacher lecture or just learned in books
Schools should bring the outdoors inside
Learning should be guided by the scientific method

8. Vygotsky’s Social-Cultural Theory
Learning occurs when children interact with each other in social situations

9. Problem-Solving Model
5 steps:
Identify the problem
Represent the problem
Select a strategy
Implement the strategy
Evaluate the results

10. Planning for Problem-Solving Activities
Short Term:
Solve the problem
Understand the content
Long Term:
Understand the process
Become self-directed learner

11. Phases of Problem-Solving Models
Learning & Motivation Function
Phase 1: Identify the Problem
Teacher & student collaborate
Attracts attention
Motivates, challenges
Phase 2: Represent the Problem
Students use drawings & analogies
Activates background knowledge
Reduces work load on working memory
Phase 3: Select a Strategy
Students select best strategy
Develops metacognition
Begins schema development
Phase 4: Implement the Strategy
Strategy is implemented using data
Promotes involvement
Phase 5: Evaluate results
Students analyze results to see if solution makes sense
Facilitates transfer
Advances schema development

12. Inquiry Model
Inquiry is both a teaching strategy and a way of discovering how the world works
Inquiry is central to scientific thinking

13. Inquiry Model differs from other models in 3 ways:
Teachers do not intrude on student inquiry process
2. Allocating time is important – most inquiries take longer than one class period
3. Main objectives: to develop inquiry skills and to develop self-directed learning

14. 4 Steps of Inquiry Model Identify inquiry topic & learning objectives
2. Identify inquiry questions
3. Plan for data gathering
4 Allocate time

15. Inquiry Model: Learning & Motivation Functions
Phase
Learning & Motivation Function
Phase 1: Identify Question
Question / problem provides focus for student investigation
Attracts attention
Motivates & challenges
Phase 2: Generate Hypotheses
Students generate hypotheses
Activates background knowledge
Begins schema development
Phase 3: Gather Data:
Students gather data related to hypotheses
Develops metacognition
Involves students
Phase 4: Asses Hypotheses
Students assess validity of hypotheses based on data
Promotes competence
Achieves equilibrium
Phase 5: Generalize
Students generalize based on hypothesis assessment
Facilitates transfer
Advances schema development