AEE 412 Weekly Writing #6: Problem Based Learning (PBL)

This week we have dove into the world of educating students through the avenue of problem based learning. Facilitating problem based learning can be difficult at the teacher level, but when done right, contributes exponential growth in students. PBL is usually carried out in groups by students. The students carry out their own discussions and make their own decisions. The teacher serves the purpose of answering questions and making sure students are headed in the right direction.

http://www.siue.edu/facultycenter/services_resources/teaching/faculty_resources/pbl.shtml

Structure, Structure, Structure
In order for the experience to be carried out effectively, the project must be structured the same for each group, students must be informed of expectations, and teacher instruction must be crystal clear. Students must understand the "Driving Question" and see relevance in their own lives. Clarity and real world examples can help to extinguish comments like "When are we ever going to use this?"

21st Century Skills
Don't always ask the easy questions. Students will rise to the occasion when they are challenged. Ask them tough questions that don't have a specific answer. Problems in the real world have more than one answer. Usually their is a better answer, but not one answer. Make students think, have them share their thoughts, they will listen to the peers, and in the end provide a quality solution to the million dollar question.

http://zulama.com/education-trends/four-cs-21st-century-skills/#.V_Ga-ygrLIU

Student Inquiry

You will know you did your part if students are showing interest in their project. Maybe they want to take it a step forward. They develop new questions about the subject matter. They don't feel that they need to know. They want to know. Give them constructive feedback on the work they have done. How can they improve? Have students present what they have found in a public setting. Set up workshops where students can teach the public. Problem based learning unites content based knowledge with 21st century skills.