Problem-Based Learning
Contents
- 1 Description
- 2 Learning Objectives
- 3 Module 1: Introduction to problem-based learning
- 4 Module 2: Why problem-based learning?
- 5 Module 3: Essential elements of problem-based learning
- 6 Module 4: Problem-based learning design
- 7 Module 5: Assessing problem-based learning
- 8 Module 6: Delivering problem-based learning
- 9 Module 7: Using Minecraft: Education Edition in problem-based learning
- 10 Source
Description
Problem-based learning (PBL) has become an integral part of the 21st century classroom. When students are faced with solving ill-structured, open-ended, messy problems, they are pushed to think more critically and work collaboratively. Many Microsoft tools help support problem-based learning. This course has been developed to help you understand what PBL is and how to plan and implement a problem-based learning experience in your classroom.
Learning Objectives
- Understand the essential elements that make up a problem-based learning experience
- Articulate the importance of problem solving in relation to higher order thinking and 21st century learning
- Describe the need for PBL to allow for self-led learning and self-determination in students
- Recognize and implement each of the five PBL design principles in your planning
- Identify the characteristics of authentic assessment and understand why these are better suited to assessing authentic learning
- Apply theoretical assessment models to plan assessments that target the domains of knowing, thinking and doing
“Learners who are confident at facing real world challenges and developing solutions will be in highest demand.”Global Digital Citizenship Foundation
Module 1: Introduction to problem-based learning
Upon completion of this this module you will be able to:
- Identify the pedagogical underpinnings of problem-based learning
- Understand the essential elements that make up a problem-based learning program
- Apply the learning design principles to create your own problem-based learning scenario
- Understand and apply the instructional principles to confidently facilitate a problem-based learning experience in your classroom
- Understand the principles of authentic assessment and know how to apply these to ensure alignment with your own problem-based learning goals
To complete this module, expand the PowerPoint slide deck to the right and read through each slide.
Module 2: Why problem-based learning?
Upon completion of this module, you will be able to:
- Articulate why it is necessary to prepare young people for learning, life and work in a digital age
- Better understand the thinking behind the drive to reimagine our 21st century classroom practices
- Understand the importance of problem-solving in relation to higher order thinking and 21st century learning
- Utilize a simple definition of problem-based learning within a context of constructivist learning theory to reflect upon my own practice and classroom environment
To complete this module, expand the PowerPoint slide deck to the left and read through each slide.
Module 3: Essential elements of problem-based learning
Upon completion of this module you will be able to:
- Identify the model for an authentic context for problem-based learning
- Understand the need for collaboration as part of any PBL program
- Recognize why an ill-defined problem is key to any PBL program
- Understand the need for PBL to allow for self-led learning and self-determination in students
- Understand why reflection is important as part of problem-based learning
To complete this module, expand the PowerPoint slide deck to the right and read through each slide.
“The use of an ill-structured problem is definitive in developing the kind of thinking and skills students will need in the world outside school.”Spiro
Module 4: Problem-based learning design
Upon completion of this module, you will be able to:
- Source evidence to support your problem-based learning initiatives
- Recognize the limitations of the evidence to date and use this to strengthen your own PBL programs
- Recognize and implement each of the five PBL design principles in your PBL courses:
- Flexible knowledge
- Effective problem-solving skills
- Student directed learning skills
- Effective collaboration skills
- Intrinsic motivation
To complete this module, expand the PowerPoint slide deck to the left and read through each slide.
Module 5: Assessing problem-based learning
Upon completion of this this module you will be able to:
- Understand the arguments that traditional assessments are not fit for purpose in assessing authentic, active learning
- Identify the characteristics of authentic assessment and articulate why these are better suited to assessing authentic learning
- Apply theoretical assessment models to plan assessments that target the domains of knowing, thinking and doing
- Select appropriate assessment strategies to evaluate these domains
- Develop an assessment rubric for use in the evaluation of student performance and mastery of competencies
To complete this module, expand the PowerPoint slide deck to the right and read through each slide.
Module 6: Delivering problem-based learning
Upon completion of this module, you will be able to:
- Identify and implement the preparation needed to scaffold successful problem-based learning
- Plan and facilitate each of the instructional principles of problem-based learning
- Design an ill-defined problem
- Use the model of the PBL cycle to deliver successful problem-based activities that align with the pedagogical principles of problem-based learning practice
To complete this module, expand the PowerPoint slide deck to the left and read through each slide.
Module 7: Using Minecraft: Education Edition in problem-based learning
Upon completion of this this module you will be able to:
- Introduce the concept of problem-based learning
- Identify the key pedagogical processes in the PBL cycle
- Collaborate on a case study ‘ill-defined’ problem
- Participate in collaborative ‘solution finding’ and proto-typing using Minecraft
- Evaluate the collective prototypes for ‘best-fit’ to our problem
- Reflect upon our thinking and decision-making
To complete this module, expand the PowerPoint slide deck to the right and read through each slide.
Download the Minecraft world, "Tiny Toronto" that goes along with this module.
Select one of the open-ended questions below, and share your thoughts in the comments section below:
- Considering the constructivist perspective on successful learning environments (i.e. those that foster active learner engagement, critical thinking, problem solving, student-centered, experiential learning, discussion and reflection) what elements of your classroom environment and practice work well, and where might you consider making changes?
- An important element underpinning both constructivism and 21st century learning is collaboration. How well does your current practice and learning environment actively encourage this? How capable are your learners in managing and negotiating group dynamics to enable successful collaboration?
- Which of the five elements of PBL described in this course do you feel that you are most prepared to facilitate? Which element do you feel least prepared to facilitate? In order to move from least prepared to prepared to facilitate, what resources or support would you need?
- Reflecting upon your current role as a teacher and the necessity of PBL to shift towards practice as a facilitator, which aspects of your practice will aid you in your transition and what do you need to develop?
- Reflecting upon the purpose of PBL and the five design principles, flexible learning, problem-solving skills, collaborative learning, self-directed learners and intrinsic motivation, which of these skills do you think: (a) Learners are particularly well suited to? Which strategies are you already employing? (b) Which do you think learners could most benefit from developing?
Background reading and guidance
This OneNote Notebook is a collection of research on the topic of problem-based learning with references.
