PBL Readings

Problem-based learning is where students are more involved through the learning experience while the teacher poses as the faciliator during the experience. This instructional strategy is student-centered and allows the investigation of challenging real-life problems. Students are presented with a difficult problem where they must work together to come to a solution. In order to do this, students must use communication skills to figure our what the exact problem is, what they already know based on prior knowledge/experience, and how they are going to get to where they need to end up. In the classroom, a basic KWL chart can be used to find out these basic questions and needs. The teacher helps guide through asking questions as well as directing students toward resources for finding the answers. Students will then use resources to collect information that can guide them toward finding methods for solving the challenging problem that they have been presented. However, the teacher allows the students to take the lead role in solving the problem. Each student uses communication in group work but also is responsible for their own part in the learning. These types of problems that students are faced with do not have a simple 'correct answer.' The students must work together to find potential solutions to the problem and then conclude on the best method for solving the problem. Ideas are then presented and the students get to pick the solution that best works with their problem. I liked in the readings that the teacher was preseented as the 'coach' in the teaching process. The teacher is there to guide and encourage the students while the students must actively find the solution. When the students come up with the best solution to their problem, it is important that they reflect on their overall problem and the solution that they fit to the problem. I like that during this process students are actually learning the actual learning process. PBL's can be used in any type of situation that involves a problem. Any type of career can use a PBL for a problem that they are facing. We work on problem-based learning on a day to day basis. We may not be writing down exact steps to how we are solving problems, but when we encounter a basic real-life problem, we being this process. For example, if you have no water pressure in your house, you must find the root cause of the problem. In order to do this, you need to develop a plan. This plan includes the process of figuring out what you know, what you need to know, and how are you going to get to a solution. There potentially could be many solutions for how to fix the problem, but the best method or approach is needed. I may gather background knowledge to try and save some money and then involve the use of other people, such as friends or family to try and solve the problem. Eventually, when I come to the solution for the best method, I am essentially using this same process of PBL that we are using with our students in education. PBL's are important in day-to-day life which is why it is critical that our students be prepared to use this type of learning daily.