Hot Topic: Problem Based Learning

With the evolution of teaching, it is clear to see that education will only continue to
evolve with time. Problem based learning is a major stepping stone in this current period of time
but unlike others it will continue to remain in existence. Problem based learning is a major point
of view that changes the style of teaching.
Problem-based learning is student-centered and changes the focus from teaching to
learning. The purpose of PBL is to use authentic problem solving to engage students and use
their motivation to make them want to learn. You are in short, handing ownership of the
classroom over to the students. When teaching a problem based learning activity you will be
spend most of your class time discussing the problem, generating hypotheses, identifying
important facts, and researching information. During this process students will discuss and
solve potential solutions. As an instructor you will be a stepping stone, only helping and guiding
students through the learning and assessment process. The majority of class time will be used
for students to work in small groups (Savoie 54).
Problem based learning is not a trend that is going to fade out over time. It is in the
process of evolving education in a way that no other trend has been able to. It plays an incredibly
important role in the field of pedagogy. Instructors have just begun implementing rigorous
problem based learning into their curriculums within the last five years It will take another five
years before we can say for certain what changes PBL has made to the classroom and to students.
There are several universities that say they are responsible for developing the concept of
problem based learning however, none of them are wrong. It was instructors who thought outside
of the box that came up with problem based learning in their classrooms. They just didnt know
it. Some even argue that problem based learning can be traced back all the way to classical times.

Confucius and Aristotle were early proponents of learning by doing. Socrates modeled
how to learn through questioning, inquiry, and critical thinking -- all strategies that
remain very relevant in today's PBL classrooms. Fast-forward John Dewey, 20th-century
American educational theorist and philosopher, and we hear a ringing endorsement for
learning that's grounded in experience and driven by student interest. Maria Montessori
launched an international movement during the 20th century with her approach to earlychildhood learning. She showed through example that education happens "not by
listening to words but by experiences upon the environment"(Boss 1).
The significance of this trend is huge. Students arent just in a classroom getting talked at
through lectures or having busy work thrown on their desks. They are solving real world
situations and this makes them feel more involved in class and that what they have to say
matters. There is no single right answer, as the teacher does not hold a magic answer behind his
or her back. Students can come up with several different solutions to these real world problems
and it is possible that they may be right. This promotes students to participate in class and
develop a sense of self-worth.

learning takes place within real world tasks, issues, concerns, and problems

students and the instructor develop a better sense of cohesiveness as they design, practice,
and continually edit their curriculum

encourages teamwork among students, stresses the development of problem solving skills
and promotes effective reasoning and individual critical thinking
In 2011, Sammamish High School in Bellevue, Washington made the jump to moving

problem based learning into every classroom. (2013 Edutopia) Several students stated that in
rigorous classes like biology, chemistry, and anatomy that it is sometimes hard to stay focused

and understand what they are talking about in class however they believe that the involvement of
problem based learning increases their attention by making them think and problem solve to find
the answer.
With Sammamish High School implementing problem based learning into all curriculums
successfully, it wont be long before other schools across the nation start experimenting with this
type of learning strategy as well. PBL is a process that will take time and dedication but the
outcome is rewarding for both students and teachers.