+ Problem Based Learning A Student-Centered Model for Instruction Reviewed by Lisa Erickson, Stephanie Kotnik, and Devin Monson

+ What is PBL? Based on a constructivist view of education, this model uses inquiry and real-world application to motivate students in active construction of knowledge. Students collaborate in small groups to answer a specific question using experimentation, research, synthesis, and analysis The teacher is the guide and facilitator in this model, rather than the dispenser of knowledge. He or she answers questions and guides students in designing and implementing experiments and finding information. Student CenteredRole of Teacher

+ How does it work? Problem Based Learning can take on a couple of different forms. Questions for study are often initiated by the students themselves. They may be simple inquiries stemming from previous learning, ponderings based on individual student interests, or problems related to social issues. Teachers may also pose questions to their students. This may be a complex word problem to solve in math, a case study in science or health, or some specific real world application. Usually, students embark on the journey to answering a question in collaborative groups. This is why the term “Project Based Learning” is sometimes used to describe the instructional method.

+ Some examples… A group of preschool students begin a study of why balls roll. The study expands to ideas of comparing weight and size, to the use of force, like ramps. The study follows the natural curiosity of the students. A tenth grade geometry class designs layouts for an imaginary city using guidelines from actual city planning ordinances. The project is extensive, taking several weeks to complete. A college level anatomy class solves medical diagnosis by examining the facts in a case study. They work in groups to assemble and analyze data to support their claims. Students in a fifth grade classroom collaborate in groups to solve complex real world math story problems using a variety of computations and logic skills.

+ Why PBL? Bloom’s Taxonomy: Consider Bloom’s orders of thinking processes. His taxonomy outlines levels of thinking from the most basic, to the highest level of critical thinking. Problem Based Learning allows students to access higher levels of thinking than traditional instructional models that rely heavily on memorization and comprehension checks. PBL strengthens students’ higher order thinking skills by asking them to apply knowledge to a new situation and synthesize information from various sources to effectively answer a problem. HIGHER ORDER THINKING SKILLS Evaluation Synthesis Analysis Application Comprehension Knowledge LOWER ORDER THINKING SKILLS HIGHER ORDER THINKING SKILLS Evaluation Synthesis Analysis Application Comprehension Knowledge LOWER ORDER THINKING SKILLS

+ Motivating Students Authentic Application: Research shows that students are more engaged in their learning when topics are immediately relevant to them in authentic ways. Problem Based Learning provides a real world application that is meaningful for students. Problem Based Learning utilizes much of what is known about motivating students to learn and retain their learning. Student choice: Studies indicate that allowing students to pursue topics of their own choice, or that are highly interesting to them is empowering and motivating. Problem Based Learning allows students to act to fulfill their own curiosities, giving them motivation to learn the material necessary for solving their choice problem or question.

+ Other benefits… Problem Based learning can be an effective mode to enhance students’ social responsibility. It is well suited to service learning projects, such as: How can our local Salvation Army increase its food donations this fall to serve more people? What ways can our school reduce its carbon footprint involved in lunch services? How can we improve our town’s accessibility for cyclists? Social Responsibility

+ Larger Education Goals… A modern move in education involves increasing students’ ability to creatively solve problems. Many find that critical thinking- rather than knowledge acquisition-is essential for solving the problems of a future global society. Students of this generation will have unlimited and unfathomable access to information in the future. They must be able to understand, combine, and use information from a variety of sources. PBL allows modern students to develop these essential skills. Visit the following URL to see a video supporting this movement in education: Creative Problem Solving in the Age of Technology

+ References DeGallow (Phd.). What is problem-based learning? Problem-Based Learning Faculty Institute. Retrieived from: Richardson, V. (1997). Constructivist teacher education: Building a world of new understandings. Psychology Press. Slavin, R. (2009). Educational psychology: Theory and practice (9th ed.). Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson Education, Inc. White, H. (2001).Problem based learning. Speaking of Teaching: Stanford University newsletter on teaching. Wintered. Vol.11, No. 1.