Experience It Yourself: An Introduction to Problem-Based Learning

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Experience It YourselfAn Introduction
toProblem-Based Learning
George Watson
Institute for TransformingUndergraduate Education
University of Delaware
Thomas Jefferson University July 2004
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What is Problem-Based Learning?
PBL is a learning approach that challenges
students to learn to learn, working
cooperatively in groups to seek solutions to
real world problems.

• PBL prepares students
• to think critically and analytically, and
• to find and use appropriate learning resources.

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• The principal idea behind PBL is that the
  starting point for learning should be a problem,
  a query, or a puzzle that the learner wishes to
  solve.
• Boud (1985)

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What are the CommonFeatures of PBL?

• Learning is initiated by a problem.
• Problems are based on complex, real-world
  situations.
• All information needed to solve problem is not
  initially given.
• Students identify, find, and use appropriate
  resources.
• Students work in permanent groups.

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PBL The Process

• Students are presented with a problem. They
  organize ideas and previous knowledge.
• Students pose questions, defining what they know
  and do not know.
• Assign responsibility for questions, discuss
  resources.
• Investigate learning issues.
• Reconvene, explore newly learned information,
  refine questions.

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Problem-Based Learning Cycle
Overview/Assessment
Problem, Project, or Assignment
Mini-lecture(only if needed!)
Group Discussion
Whole Class Discussion
Research
Preparation of Group Product
Group Discussion
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A Typical Day in a PBL Course
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Characteristics Neededin College Graduates

• High level of communication skills
• Ability to define problems, gather and evaluate
  information, develop solutions
• Team skills -- ability to work with others
• Ability to use all of the above to address
  problems in a complex real-world setting

Quality Assurance in Undergraduate Education
(1994) Wingspread Conference, ECS, Boulder, CO.
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Recommendations from the Carnegie Foundation

• Make research-based learning the standard.
• Build inquiry-based learning throughout the four
  years.
• Link communication skills and course work.
• Use information technology effectively.
• Cultivate a sense of community.

Boyer Commission, 1998
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Skills Used Frequently by Physics Bachelors in
Selected Employment Sectors, 1994
Source AIP Education and Employment Statistics
Division
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The principal idea behind PBL is?

1. PBL challenges students to learn to learn.
2. Learning is initiated by a problem.
3. Student-centered work in permanent groups.

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• The principal idea behind PBL is that the
  starting point for learning should be a problem,
  a query, or a puzzle that the learner wishes to
  solve.
• Boud (1985)

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The principal idea behind PBL is?

• A. PBL challenges students to learn to learn.
• B. Learning is initiated by a problem.
• C. Student-centered work in permanent groups.

Think/ pair/ share