Introducing Problem Based Learning

This semester we will be focusing on problem based learning and how to incorporate it into a classroom. Problem based learning (PBL for short) is simply focusing on a problem to be learned and a task to be solved. "The single most important ideas in solving problems and accomplishing tasks is that you build on your previous work and the work of others (prior knowledge)."

Teams are a great way for students to work together to build and share their own knowledge. Because a complex problem or task is easier to solve when students can work together, I believe this concept of team is an important one. By working together in groups of three or four, students can utilize more tools to extend their mental and physical capabilities, as well as their formal and informal education. These tools can be anything from libraries, the Internet, and computers to airplanes, microscopes, and telephones.

Teachers love to give projects, so I've had my fair share of them. One that I remember the best was a model of a Native American village that we made in fourth grade. I can't remember which tribe my group had, but we researched and studied about how the people lived. We then made a 3D model of what their housing looked like, the area they lived in, and we even made little clay figures of people. Each group had a different tribe, and when we were done, we presented the models to the class and also at open house. We not only learned about Native Americans, we also were able to take pride in working together to make a representation of what we had learned.

One final note to remember: "PBL is learner-centered, task and problem oriented, and has authentic assessment."