Problem-based Learning

Problem-based learning or PBL is a methodology where students learn many or all aspects of a curriculum by working as groups through experiences and practice sessions.  The point of this type of learning is to help the student focus their attention on an activity that seems real or authentic, something they do during their everyday lives.  PBL employs critical thinking skills and problem-solving through group and individual skills.  Our book states that problem solving can take on many forms, but include collaboration, parallel problem solving, data analysis, and simulated activities. (Roblyer, Doering p. 243) Sun Associates, a company which helps state governments and school districts combine technology and education, says that:

A classic project-based learning activity usually involves 4
basic elements: (1) an extended time frame; (2) collaboration;
(3) inquiry, investigation, and research; and finally, (4) the
construction of an artifact or performance of a consequential task. Within this basic framework, students and teachers can adapt activities to showcase and assess understanding. 

http://www.sun-associates.com/lynn/pbl/pbl.html

Problem-based learning is a really effective way to motivate students.  As we witnessed in the
Edutopia video, students fit seamlessly into their learning environment.  Students wanted to participate because each of them was included in the process.  Also, they could easily imagine themselves encountering these examples and could personally identify with each scenario.  This is an
important aspect of motivation and action.  The children are energized, interested and engaged because they get to take action in something that is both real and something that they know they
will be a part of as they grow up.  For some, they view it as a “grown-up” activity and love the change to play-act.  PBL is an excellent way to blend audio, visual, and kinesthetic learning styles.

For example, death is a very real experience which touches every life.  Children in the Auburn class
were able to process death and loss through a class pet.  The teacher was able to incorporate life
skills like cognitive reasoning skills, planning skills, writing skills, and math skills.  Also, the teacher is able to reach social competencies by helping children “practice” the motions of loss and funeral arrangements before they have to go through the experience later in real life.  This method applies to any scenario and we saw many examples including the travel example.  In this scenario children studied a country, planned a trip, applied for a “passport”, and hold jobs that one might find at
an airport.  All aspects of the learning objectives and curriculum were able to be folded up into the scenario. 

Technology on its own is not a critical requirement for the PB L method.  This is because PBL happens
in many different formats, locations, and scenarios.  An apprentice could use PBL to match theoretical skills with their real working environment.  Many professions (like physicians) require a
certain number of hours in scenario based learning before they are fully qualified.  PBL prepares children for this type of learning.  However, the use of technology is undeniable in modern teaching. Not only will children need to know how to use and interact with various technologies, but they will need to be able to demonstrate their creativity and innovation for problem solving while using technology.  For this and other reasons, technology takes a prominent role in modern PBL.   The Auburn school showed how internet access in each classroom opens the entire world for the student to see videos, play interactive games, and literally touch resources from around the world.  The smart boards and interactive computer-based training modules are tools which help teachers and students take the hands-on approach to learning.  Smart boards allow teachers and students to collaborate for problem-solving.  As technology provides children with access to the world, it also inspires children to believe that anything is possible.  Through technology the world becomes a smaller place and children can learn about and even interact with other cultures from all over.  A child becomes familiar with the idea that learning is not a fixed point in their childhood, but something that they do forever.