Problem-Based-Learning


 * A. Problem-Based Learning (PBL)**


 * What is PBL?**

PBL is a hands-on, inquiry-based instructional approach in which students are presented with a complex problem that is to be solved. The teacher's role is to be the facilitator of learning and a participant rather than the bearer of knowledge. Students are active learners in PBL units as they discuss, research, analyze, evaluate, collaborate, and think critically to develop a solution to the problem. The problems are complex and open-ended in order to allow students to take different approaches and brainstorm multiple possibilities for solutions (Torp & Sage, 2002). The students will use technology to research, collaborate, and build connections during PBL units.



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 * Constructivism and PBL**

The constructivist view of learning is that when learners encounter new information, they construct meaning to it using his or her own prior beliefs, attitudes, and experiences as references (Stavredes, 2011). In PBL units, learners research and analyze information and give meaning to what they have found. They also learn from successes and failures throughout the problem-solving process, and they can construct new meanings from the discussions and social interaction with peers (Torp & Sage, 2002).

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 * What are the benefits of PBL?**

PBL units are designed to be relevant and authentic, so that students develop an interest in and become invested in the problem. In turn, students are more active and engaged in their learning and are more motivated to solve the solve problem. Because problems are messy and complex, several approaches and solutions are possible. As a result, students must strategize and think critically at a high level to find relevant information and analyze the validity of that information. Not only is content addressed, but skills are developed as well. PBL is student-centered, which encourages students to collaborate, analyze, evaluate, discuss, and be creative when determining solutions to the problems (Torp & Sage, 2002).