Problem Based Learning Heartland Community College IDC

Problem Based Learning  History –Dewey: Engagement –Case Western Reserve in 1950s –60’s Discovery Based Learning –70’s Case Methods –McMaster University in Canada: Med. School –Most popular in Health, Science, Math

Problem Based Learning  Definition –Problem-based learning is a development and instructional approach built around an ill- structured problem which is mess and complex in nature; requires inquiry, information- gathering, and reflection; is changing and tentative; and has no simple, fixed, formulaic, “right” solution (Finkle & Torp, 1995).

Problem Based Learning  Comparisons to Lecture Based –Student Focus vs. Teacher Focus –Self-discovery vs. Information Processing –Active vs. Passive –Collaborative vs. Individual –Non-Linear vs. Linear –Quality of Info. vs. Quantity of Info. –Application vs. Memory

Problem Based Learning Key Steps in the PBL Process 1. Identify Problem authentic complex, open ended, fuzzy tied to learning outcomes tied to previous knowledge interesting

Problem Based Learning Key Steps in the PBL Process 1. Identify Problem Requires Interpretation Requires team approach Focus on scope and significance

Problem Based Learning Key Steps in the PBL Process 2. Research What do we know/need Is there enough out there? Present Places to start Have check points/due dates Monitor sources Push Students/Socratic Method

Problem Based Learning Key Steps in the PBL Process 3. Present Findings What is being presented? Provide Support/Evidence Make the final product interesting Make it interactive Allow for reflection Assess

Problem Based Learning Some Random Issues  Semester long vs. Unit/Class  Reign in vs. Free reign  Prep for group work vs. Have at it  Assess final product vs. during production  List resources vs. find resources

Problem Based Learning Some Random Issues (Continued)  In Class vs. Out of Class  Permanent groups vs. fluid groups

Problem Based Learning Some Examples  Political Science: Cases  Writing: “Client Problems”, Audience Problems, Teaching Problems  Literature/Theatre: Play production problems, Author biography problems  Art: Forgery Problems

Problem Based Learning Some Examples (Continued)  Math and Science: Environmental Problems, Architectural Problems, Rocket Ship Problems  History: What if Problems, Reconstructed Problems

Problem Based Learning Some Random Tips  Ask Peers about Problems  Prepare Students for this Style  Convert Lecture into Questions  Convert Exam Questions into Problems  Solicit Feedback Continually/CATs  Level the Problems

Problem Based Learning Some Random Tips (Continued)  Use Current events and multi-media  Connect students with experts  Instructor Creates Groups  Use Rubrics  Identify stakeholders connected to problem  Know your schedule

Problem Based Learning Some Random Tips (Continued)  Create Process Guide (expectations, group work presentations, processes, evaluations)  You Should Map Out the Process Yourself as a Check.  Keep Journals  Seek out Peers who do PBL

Problem Based Learning  Possible Examples from Your Classes

Problem Based Learning  References – – – – – – –