Problem Based Learning
Guides
“We create learners who are “life-ready” so that
they can apply their knowledge to real-life situations.” Sandy Hooda
Problem Based Learning
Problem-based learning is a learner-centered approach that actively engages learners in an authentic a open-ended problem where students are expected in a team setting to apply their knowledge, skills, and competency to tackle the given problem and suggest courses of action.
Benefits
of PBL to Students
It improves students’ critical
thinking and problem-solving skills, communication skills, research skills, and
collaboration skills. Since the PBL approach simulates workplace settings it
increases students' motivation and engagement in the course.
Benefits of PBL to Faculty
The
role of faculty in a PBL environment is to facilitate learning and guides
students to apply a systematic approach in resolving the problem. As faculty
learn along with their students the level of motivation and excitement among
faculty increase.
The main challenge is to deploy a relevant and authentic problem that is aligned with the course learning
outcome.
PBL Strategies:
There
is a wide range of strategies that could be used in the implementation of PBL.
The IOWA State University listed 16 strategies (Active-Learning,
Inductive-Learning, Backward Design, Experiential Activities, Haptic
Engagement, Retrieval Practice, Metacognition & Problem-Solving Strategies,
Just-in-Time Teaching, Guided Discovery, Coached Ideation, Visualizing Systems
Thinking, Case-Study Method, Shared Solutions / Send-A-Problem, Learning
Artifacts & Portfolios, Cooperative & Team-Based Learning, and Role-Playing
& Evaluation) as the main PBL strategies.
Getting Started with Problem-Based
Learning
- Review CLOs of your course and decide on which learn
outcomes should be considered for problem-based learning. Also, ensure to
define what students would be able to do as a result of resolving the
problem
- Create a relevant and authentic problem in
collaboration with other faculty members
- Conduct workshop for students on Design Thinking,
Working Effective in the Team, Active Listening, Flipped Learning, etc.
- Advise students on how they will be assessed by you
and their teammates.
- Monitor students’ progress and ensure to rotate the
roles of team members for different problems or longer problems
(project-based learning).
Additional Resources:
·
General Resources for PBL
o
PLB General Resources
– University of Delaware
o
Explore
16 Project-Based Learning Strategies – IOWA State University
·
Videos on PBL :
o
Problem-Based
Learning: Initial Experience – University of Waterloo
o
Introduction
to PBL- University of Delaware
o
Introduction
to PBL – Waterloo University
o
Problem-Based
Learning – Audacity
o
Problem-Based Learning at
Maastricht University
·
PBL Website:
o
Problem-Based
Learning – Innovation in Teaching, Cornell University
o
Problem
Based Learning – Office of Teaching, Learning and Technology- University of
IOWA
·
PBL Sample:
