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PBL

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Problem-Based
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What is Problem-Based Learning?

Benefits of PBL:

PBL in a Computer Education Class

Issues with PBL:

Problem-based learning is a learning approach that challenges students by giving them real life scenarios to solve. PBL forces students to problem-solve by
presenting them with an ill-structured situation that reflects realistic problems
that they may face in the future. Problem-based learning is student-centered and
shifts the focus from teaching to learning. In a PBL course, the teacher takes on
the role of facilitator while the students take responsibility for their own learning.

For most computer education courses, the standards cover many tedious steps
and procedures that need to be spread out throughout the semester. Because
of this, Problem-Based Learning is beneficial to use in a computer education
course because it allows the students to apply what they learn in the course in
a more defined, creative process. In a computer education class, PBL prepares
students for future problems with technology outside of a classroom setting. The
approach gives students the opportunity to work more independently from the
instructor, and gives the students the power of choice. Students create their own
learning timeline as they identify what skills they need to acquire as a foundation for the next set of skills. This allows more technologically advanced students
to take bigger leaps into the material, while allowing students with less advanced
computer skills to reach the problem with smaller skill sets. PBL allows the students to discover what works and what doesnt work through experience and
team collaboration.

Well, Theres Your Problem...

Increases student motivation

Provides authentic learning experiences
Promotes life skills (e.g. communication, team work)
Learning corresponds to real life problems
Promotes higher-level thinking skills
Promotes strategies for learning
Practice with goal constructing and achieving

Student Issues:

Students struggle taking the new role as Learning Facilitators within their
groups.
Groups struggle with collaboration, efficiency, and time management.
Lack of prior knowledge, and having such an ill-structured problem leads to
student frustration.

Teacher Issues:

Preparation for PBL is tedious and timely.

Teachers need to check that there are ample materials (in print, online, and
through human resources) for the students to discover.
Teachers need to make the problem relevant to the students lives to spark
interest.
The scenario must be complex. Teachers must be careful not to give too much
information.

Do what you can, with what you have, where you are.
-Theodore Roosevelt
Sources:
Faculty Focus: http://www.facultyfocus.com
Learning-Theories.com: http://www.learning-theories.com
Teaching with Technologies Initiative: http://www.ndtwt.
org
Edutopia: http://www.edutopia.org
Study Guides and Strategies: http://www.studygs.net

Have students analyze the scenario as a class or in groups. At this point, the students may not have enough prior knowledge to solve the problem.

STEP 5:
BUILD/PRESENT SOLUTION

Have the students bring together their data and analyze it. Students should discuss their findings and collaborate to put together the best solution. Students
should form a solution and be able to defend the solution when presenting it
to the teacher/class. Revisit the problem and edit solution/strategies as
needed.

STEP 4:
PLAN/RESEARCH

Have the students organize their plan of action to solve the problem. Students
should come up with multiple strategies to find the solution and provide details
on how each step will bring them to the solution. Begin research individually
or in small groups.

STEP 2:
LIST KNOWN

Have the students go through the problem, list what information the problem
gives them, and determine what prior knowledge they might have towards the
problem.

STEP 3:
IDENTIFY NEEDS

Have the students examine the problem and identify the topics on which they
need to gather more information.

STUDENT PROCESS FOR PBL

STEP 1:
RECOGNIZE THE PROBLEM

Images:
Pai Pediatrics: http://www.gsmc.org
University of Brighton: http://arts.brighton.ac.uk
In Search for More: http://www.insearchformore.com