Problem-based learning (PBL) is an instructional strategy where students work in groups to solve an open-ended problem. It represents a shift from a teacher-centered approach where the teacher demonstrates and tests knowledge, to a student-centered approach where students discover knowledge through collaboration and hands-on problem solving. PBL cultivates critical thinking skills and student engagement. It allows students to develop creativity and independence by managing their own activities. PBL requires teachers to shift their goals from knowledge transmission to knowledge construction, and to focus on facilitating self-assessment over external evaluation.

1. Problem-based Learning
What is PBL?
 A learning strategy characterized by self-
directed active learning starting with an “ill-
structured problem” before any instruction
 Learners probe deeply into issues searching
for connections, grappling with complexity
and using knowledge to fashion solutions
 An excellent instructional method that can
cultivate students’ critical thinking, develop
their abilities to analyze and solve problems

2. Traditional
Teaches
Demonstrates
Tests
The teacher…

3. PBL
Collaborates
Discovers
Performs
The student…

4. Why PBL?
Asks students to demonstrate understanding,
not to just gather and rewrite information
Builds critical thinking and reasoning skills
Promotes student creativity and
independence
Allows students to manage their own
activities
Can change bored students into engaged
students
http://www.edutopia.org/project-learning-introdu

5. Successful MS Strategies
Student choice
Student decision making
Student involvement in self assessment
Frequent reformation of groups
Cooperative learning
Alternative assessments such as portfolios
Challenging, complex work
Anderman, Lynley Hicks, Midgley, Carol . "Motivation and Middle School Students." ERIC Digest 1997.
6/30/10 <http://www.ericdigests.org/1999-1/motivation.html>.

6. PBL in K-12
Solve a complex question or problem through a
collaborative process of investigation
Learn content, information, and facts necessary
to draw conclusions about the question
Learn valuable skills and habits of mind
Are evaluated on their ability to reason and
apply knowledge as they work on a problem
http://www.edutopia.org/project-based-learning-o

7. K-12 con’t
Students work in flexible groups to solve
challenging problems that are authentic,
curriculum-based, and often interdisciplinary
Students create knowledge and understanding
through learning activities built around
intellectual inquiry and a high degree of
engagement* with meaningful tasks
Projects take the role traditionally given to tests
and quizzes

8. What does PBL require of
teachers?
Costa and Kallick articulate 3 "curriculum mind shifts"
educators must undergo in the areas of goals & outcomes,
instruction and assessment as we position ourselves to lead
learning in the 21st century:
Mind shift #1: From knowing the right answers to knowing how
to behave when answers are not readily apparent.
Mind shift #2: From transmitting meaning to constructing
meaning.
Mind shift #3: From external evaluation to self-assessment.
 Retrieved from
http://www.ascd.org/publications/books/109008/chapters/It-Takes-Some-Getting-Used-To@-Reth