What is Problem Based Learning (PBL)?
Problem-Based Learning (PBL)
In your classroom, do you face the question, "When will I ever use this?" Or struggle with student engagement? As the school year is coming to an end and the weather is getting nicer, trying to get students to stay focused and engaged is always a struggle. To help combat that, I end the school year with one of my many projects implementing Problem-Based Learning. Cornell University states, "Problem-based learning (PBL) is a student-centered approach in which students learn about a subject by working in groups to solve an open-ended problem. This problem is what drives the motivation and the learning."
Click here for an example of a PBL project
Implementing Problem-Based Learning
Problem-Based Learning is not something you will necessarily just "throw" into a lesson, as many components go into PBL. To have a strong PBL you want to sit down and plan out the project and think about what you want the students to take away and learn. I often implement PBL through the Design Process in my classroom as I teach engineering courses. The Design Process is 1. Define the problem 2. Generate Concepts 3. Develop Solutions 4. Construct and Test 5. Evaluate the Solution, and 6. Present the Solution. Read more about the Design Process here. When not following the Design Process for PBL there are key aspects you want to take into consideration when designing.
- What is the problem you want the students to solve?
- What prior knowledge do the students already have on the problem?
- Examine what the students need to learn and how they are going to learn it.
- How do you want students to examine ways the can solve the problem?
- How do you want them to solve the problem and then present their problem?
Most recently, my students presented their solutions as if they were on Shark Tank and the investors were teachers. I will elaborate on this in a future post.
Click here for more resources on how to get started with PBL
Below is a video going over Problem-Based Learning. It references adult learning, but the same applies to secondary education.
What lesson or unit can you teach using Problem-Based Learning?
References
Cornell University (n.d.). Problem-based learning. Center for Teaching Innovation. Retrieved June 4, 2023, from https://teaching.cornell.edu/teaching-resources/engaging-students/problem-based-learning
[Paulina Naslonski]. (2023, June 4). Problem based Learning [Video]. YouTube. https://youtu.be/bUCbCoDpwD0
STEM in the Middle, LLC. (n.d.). What are the steps of the engineering design process? STEM in the Middle. Retrieved June 4, 2023, from https://steminthemiddle.net/what-are-steps-of-engineering-design-process/
University of Illinois (n.d.). TEACHING & LEARNING Problem-based learning (PBL). Center for Innovation in Teaching & Learning. Retrieved June 4, 2023, from https://citl.illinois.edu/citl-101/teaching-learning/resources/teaching-strategies/problem-based-learning-(pbl)
Your PBL project looks awesome!! I too have my students participate in a PBL project at the end of the school year. My students build miniature biodomes in 2-liter soda bottles in hopes to sustain life inside of them. Students check the growth over time and if their biodome is successful or if it collapses in about a month's time. I haven't quite mastered the "set up" or "relaying of information" the way that I want to. I really like your example how you shared the information via google docs and students have a place to collaborate. I have my kids using google slides, which is similar, but I like how the directions, rubric, checklist, design, and everything else is organized and all in one place. This already has me thinking how I want to change mine up for next year. Thank you!
ReplyDeleteYour biodomes sound like a neat project, especially as it sounds like a project students can do at home as well. I find that I am ever-changing and modifying my projects, as there is always something to be adjusted or improved. I find “relaying the information” to be one of the harder parts; along with getting the information in the capacity I am looking for, I am still trying to master this aspect. To really have students take their level of thinking to the next step, question things, and look at it from a different perspective.
DeleteI enjoyed reading your blog about "Project Based Learning". Having the link to your PBL example is a great way to demonstrate the structure and components for implementing PBL in the classroom. Google docs are my go-to for collaboration in the classroom. It is obvious you have put much thought and preparation into creating your projects. I teach preschool and I find it difficult to implement PBL effectively for such a young age. Do you have any suggestions or tips on how to start PBL in Early Childhood Education?
ReplyDeleteA big thing is tasking them with a problem and getting them to build things and use their hands. I have not stayed up on PBL and STEM in Early Education as much as I had in the past, but there are many resources out there. The International Technology and Engineering Educators Association (ITEEA) has a ton of great resources and have an entire journal on Elementary STEM where you can take things out of to implement. As in recent years, it has been a big push because it all starts young. Every year at their national conference, they showcase the new things they are implementing, and it is impressive.
DeletePBL is a cool and effective way to engage students and promote learning. Integrating it into your classroom allows students to apply their knowledge to real-world problems. The idea of having students present their solutions like on Shark Tank is creative and engaging. PBL can be implemented in various subjects and topics, empowering students to become active learners and problem solvers.
ReplyDelete