- What exactly IS PBL? How is it implemented? How much time does it take? What kind of resources are needed to incorporate PBL methods?
Problem-Based Learning (PBL) involves learners in an active, collaborative, student-centered learning process that develops
problem-solving and self-educational abilities needed to meet the challenges
of life and career in our increasingly complex environment. It also allows
the learner to acquire an integrated knowledge-base structured around real
world problems, the problems the learner will face in future work or
profession, community and personal life. Acquiring knowledge in the contexts in which it is to be used facilitates recall and knowledge application.
In the first phase, students reason their way through the problem,
bringing out prior knowledge they may possess.
The second phase is a period of self-directed study during which the
students, independent of the tutor, consult resources and work
collaboratively.
In the third phase students apply the newly gained knowledge back to the
problem, critique their prior thinking and knowledge, and refine their
understanding of the problem and its management.
As the last step in the third phase, the students assess themselves
individually in the following areas: problem-solving skills, knowledge
acquisition, self-directed learning, and support of the group.
Resources Needed
Incentives for Faculty Participation (ie. released time for Curriculum Development, research grants)
Facilitator Training
Multi-Media Technology
Physical Facilities
- What has the experience been at other schools/disciplines where it has been tried? How are those schools/disciplines similar to yours? Are those schools/disciplines so different that it's unlikely that PBL would be doable in your situation?
PBL was initially developed a quarter of a century ago in medical education and has
now become increasingly used at all educational levels (K - 16) and in a
wide range of professional schools and disciplines. eg. biochemistry and accounting
We represent the fields of Education, Business and Science. There is potential for applications in each of our fields, though contextually depended.
- What are some good examples of PBL problems and what characteristics do they have in common?
Good examples include
1. Science Sleuths by Video Company 1-800-548-3472
The student is shown a mysterious Blob found on a beach and asked to figure out what it is.
2. Optical Data Corporation, Vanderbilt University 1-800-524-2481
Student wants to start a Dunking Booth Business. The student address all relevant issues.
These examples all involve the following characteristics and activities
The introduction of a problem, and require the student to ask and answer questions using a variety of resources.
- What kind of activities do students do while engaged in a PBL project? What kinds of thinking skills and collaboration skills do they develop?
The activities include
Data Collection, Research and Analysis
Applying basic Knowledge of the Subject to the question
Presentation of a solution
- How inter-disciplinary can PBL be?
PBL can be very inter-disciplinary
- Is PBL implemented the same everywhere?
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- Is PBL a complete success? A partial success? What are its weaknesses?
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- What is the philosophy that underlies the design of PBL? How is it congruent with the goals of a good education and the characteristics of an ideal learning environment?
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- In Bridges' book, Problem Based Learning for Administrators, he describes criteria for evaluating pupils--what are some practical suggestions you could incoporate?
(your answer goes here)
- How does PBL compare to traditional instruction?
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- What kinds of teachers can use PBL? What kind of personality or other qualities do they need? How do teachers feel about PBL after they have done it for awhile?
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- What kinds of learners are best suited to PBL? How do students feel about PBL?
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- The Bottom Line: Should universities adopt PBL for use in all classes? Will you?
(your answer goes here)
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Page Authors: Gail Lucas & Bob Hoffman with inspiration from Bernie Dodge
Respond to forum: DCDPBL
Faculty Develpoment Institute Forum
All contents copyright © 1996, SDSU. All rights reserved.
Revised: June 11, 1996
URL: http://edweb.sdsu.edu/clrit/PBL_Template.html
