Problem-Based Learning

child at divergent paths
Problem-Based Learning

Problem-Based Learning usually begins with specific concept standards, within and across content areas, and focuses on developing a possible solution path or solution paths to a real-world problem. Problem-Based Learning is not Project-Based Learning, meaning it does not necessarily have to include a tangible product. 

We suggest keeping a journal to record the discussion prompts, within the modules and videos, and your responses.

To learn more about what problem-based learning is, and how to implement this approach in your curriculum, explore the materials below.

Module 1: What is it? What are the components?
Definition (according to Kate Gukeisen)

"Problem-Based Learning is a student-centered pedagogy in which students learn about a subject through the experience of solving real-world problems.” Problem-Based Learning Basics video

  • What is Problem-Based Learning? View this video to learn more about PBL from Kate Gukeisen (~ 5 minutes)

Organizational structure of learning

  • Look over your curriculum or a unit of study:
    • Where are there places when a Problem-Based Learning approach might naturally fit?
    • What changes might you make to support a problem-based learning approach in your classroom?
      • How will you adjust your classroom instruction to support the 4 components of PBL?
Module 2: What is the process?
 

What does it take to implement a problem-based learning approach in your classroom?

  • View this video to learn more about the PBL process from Kate Gukeisen (~ 2 ½ minutes)

Organizational structure of learning
  • Look over a unit of study and consider the PBL process and how you might incorporate this approach to support student learning.
    • What changes to your instructional strategies would you need to make?
    • How might you support students in taking the lead in their learning throughout this process?
graphic of Problem-Based Learning process
Module 3: Choosing problems, standards, and assessment
 

Ill-structured problems are at the heart of Problem-Based Learning. An Ill-structured problem will have no clear pathway and/or solution. It will have many possible solutions, allowing for the learnng to focus on the problem-solving process rather than getting the "right answer".

  • View this video to learn more about which types of problems, standards and assessments support the PBL approach from Kate Gukeisen (~ 4 minutes)
  • Look over a unit of study and consider what ill-structured problems might you be able to propose to students?
  • Look over a unit of study and consider the standards that lend themselves to critical thinking as Kate suggests in the video.
  • How does the critical thinking needed connect multiple content area standards to help deepen student problem solving skills?
Wrap it Up
  • View this video to wrap up our learning about Problem-Based Learning from Kate Gukeisen (~ 2 minutes)

Now that you have completed Problem-Based Learning, please complete this short questionnaire to receive your contact hour certificate.

Resources

 

Resources used to support the development of this professional learning opportunity: