The document explains problem-based learning (PBL) as an instructional method that engages students in solving real-world problems, enhancing critical thinking and collaboration. It contrasts traditional teaching methods, emphasizing the teacher's role as a coach and the student's role as an active participant in their learning. The document outlines a five-step model for implementing PBL and presents a scenario involving a power outage in Atlanta to demonstrate its application.

2. Problem Based Learning
Karl S. Olimpo

3. Problem Based Learning
• An instructional method which focuses on
the investigation and resolution of messy,
“real world” problems as a context for
students to learn critical thinking and
problem solving skills
• “Students work individually and/or in
groups to solve challenging problems that
are authentic, curriculum-based, and often
interdisciplinary”

4. Benefits of PBL
• Makes learning
relevant to the real
world
• Moves learning from
a passive activity to
an active activity --
learning becomes the
act of discovery

5. Benefits of PBL
• Increases motivation -- students are more
engaged, interested, and energetic learners as
they make a personal investment in the
outcome of their inquiry
• Promotes an interdisciplinary approach to
learning
• Promotes collaborative learning
• Requires advanced cognitive skills, higher
order thinking

6. Comparison of teaching methods
Role of Teacher:
• As expert:
– Directs Thinking
– Holds Knowledge
– Evaluates
Students
Role of Student:
• As receiver:
– Inert
– Inactive
– Empty
Lecture

7. Comparison of teaching methods
Role of Teacher:
• As coach:
– Presents
problematic
situation
– Models, coaches,
and fades
– Engages in process
as co-investigator
– Assesses learning
Role of Student:
• As participant:
– Actively grapples
with the
complexity of the
situation
– Investigates and
resolves problem
from the inside
Problem-Based Learning

8. Teachers = Active Coaches
• Diagnosing needs
• Mentoring learning
• Encouraging
process
• Questioning thinking
• Modeling inquiry

9. 5 Models in Implementing PBL
1. Present the problem. As the teacher, you
introduce an "ill-structured" problem (or
scenario) to the students.

10. 2. List what is
known. In
answering the
basic questions
above, students
begin by listing
what they know
about the
problem.

11. 3. List what is needed. Now that the problem
is developed, students need to find
information to fill in missing gaps

12. 4. List possible
actions,
recommendation
s, solutions, or
hypotheses. Unde
r the heading:
"What should we
do?"

13. 5. Present and
support the
solution. As part
of closure,
teachers
generally require
students to
communicate
their findings and
recommendation
s.

16. Angels, this is your mission

17. It's a steamy summer day in Atlanta when
suddenly

18. the power blinks out
over the entire city!
To make matters
worse, all of the
electricians in the
area are out of town
at a conference.

19. Mayor Shirley
Franklin is offering a
$20,000 reward to
anyone who can put
together a proposal
that details what
probably went wrong
and how to fix it.

20. Since you are in a
suburb that still has
power, help your Atlanta
friends put together a
presentation for the
mayor so the problem
can be fixed and you
can win the reward.