Problem Based Learning presented by Robert Stare

Robert Stare

Problem-Based Learning

Description of Instructional Model

Problem based learning is different from traditional learning that is done in the classroom.  With traditional learning it is often a direct instruction with memorizing and lots of practice.  In problem based learning, students are not working by themselves.  Instead they are working in groups to try and solve real world problems in their schools and communities (Hosler, 2013).  Problem based learning has been around since the 1960’s where it was first developed at McMaster University in Canada (Problem Based Learning).  One of the great benefits of this is that the students can see how the subject or content of the lesson can relate to current events.  With problem based learning the students are given a problem that they are supposed to find a solution for.  It is important to remember as the teacher that not all groups are going to come up with the same solution.  So there is no answer that is “right” or “wrong”.  It is only wrong if the students did not complete the work to come up with a solution.   The teacher should provide the students with resources so the students can understand the problem and then collaborate to come up with the solution.  While student are doing this the teacher should monitor the groups to make sure they are on task and ask questions to either guide the students along or to make sure the students have carefully considered aspects of the problem and their proposed solution. According to an article from Stanford, this method is very effective at developing student’s problem-solving skills (Speaking of Teaching: Problem Based Learning, 2001).

Instructional Model Relationship to Learning Theory

Problem Base Learning falls under the Constructivist Learning Theory.  In this theory people construct their own understanding of events and knowledge in order to reflect on these experiences (Harasim, 2012).  This theory focus on the learners or groups of learners.  The Problem Based Learning Theory has students collaborating together so this falls right in line with this theory. One of the great things about the Constructivist Learning Theory is that students are active in their learning.  They are not just sitting there listening to the teacher talk to them.  They are active learners who are trying to work through this real world problem they are trying to solve.  According to the textbook, Papert’s constructionism describes an educational philosophy that teaches children to do something rather than teaching them about something (Harasim, 2012).  Problem Based Learning is one of the theories that falls under the Constructivist Learning Theory.

Example using the Instructional Model

In History a good example of using problem based learning is looking at problems with the Articles of Confederation.  The Articles of Confederation was a governing document over  the 13 colonies that had many problems with it.  Instead of telling the students about the problems they can be given a scenario to work through where they identify problems and how to fix them.   This can be done in class by tasking the students to design a class shirt.  The students will have to divide themselves into 13 interest groups.  The interest groups will be things such as; Soccer, Star Wars, Justin Beiber, Music, and gamers.  The students will pick whichever group they want to be a part of and will be given only a few minutes to design the shirt.  It is likely that some groups will have no members which works out perfectly.  Each group will have to present their design to the class to get voted on.  Each group will get one vote, just like the Articles of Confederation, and the design with 9 votes wins.  The students are also free to change any of the rules they want as long as they have 13 votes.  In this scenario the students will see that not every group is represented and that groups will vote for their own interests.  They will quickly see the problems with the Articles of Confederation and why there was a need for the Constitution to be written.  The students will write a review of what the problems were and work in groups to come up with a solution to the problem.

Related Websites

Article on Problem Based Learning from Stanford University

Education World article on Problem Based Learning

Article on Learning Theories that lists Pros and Cons

References

Harasim, L. (2012). Learning Theory and Online Technologies. New York: Taylor and Francis Group.

Hosler, A. (2013). Problem Based Learning: Tips and Project Ideas. Retrieved May 12, 2016, from Education World: http://www.educationworld.com/a_curr/problem-based-learning-tips-ideas.shtml

Problem Based Learning. (n.d.). Retrieved May 12, 2016, from Learning Theories.com: http://www.learning-theories.com/problem-based-learning-pbl.html

Speaking of Teaching: Problem Based Learning. (2001, Winter). Retrieved May 12, 2016, from Stanford University Newsletter on Teaching: http://web.stanford.edu/dept/CTL/cgi-bin/docs/newsletter/problem_based_learning.pdf