Problem Based Learning

Problem Based Learning

Problem-based learning typically follows prescribed steps:

1.      Presentation of an "ill-structured" (open-ended, "messy") problem

2.      Problem definition or formulation (the problem statement)

3.      Generation of a "knowledge inventory" (a list of "what we know about the problem" and "what we need to know")

4.      Generation of possible solutions

5.      Formulation of learning issues for self-directed and coached learning

6.      Sharing of findings and solutions

(http://www.edutopia.org/blog/pbl-vs-pbl-vs-xbl-john-larmer)    

One could say that problem-based learning is a process where students form a problem and acquire knowledge, both about themselves and the world around them, during the entire process described above. To clarify the ‘pros and cons’ of problem-based learning (being careful not to use the acronym PBL, since PBL is used for both problem-based learning and project-based learning which differ only slightly and are really just two sides of the same coin, but they are still defined differently) I would have to raise an example. The best example I can think of is the current project that we are working on. I’ll use the steps defined above to create a ‘table of contents’.

Problem

Main: Us homeschoolers lack our own communication space and experience in working as a team.

Secondary: Problems that our society experiences.

Solution

               Creating our own personal website to act as a single subject that we can work together on as a team. On this website we will be able to present information regarding our homeschool network and solutions to problems found in society.

Process

               During the process, we should be able to work together as a team (or at least get better at it) while obtaining external knowledge about technology, web design, reporting, etc. We will also receive internal knowledge about ourselves (both are strengths and weaknesses) and others too, while we have our parents (aka. Teachers) there to conduct us during the entire process.

Barrows defines the Problem-Based Learning Model as:^[4]

1. Student Centered Learning

2. Learning is done in Small Student Groups, ideally 6-10 people

3. Facilitators or Tutors guide the students rather than teach

4. A Problem forms the basis for the organized focus of the group, and stimulates learning

5. The problem is a vehicle for the development of problem solving skills. It stimulates the cognitive process.

6. New knowledge is obtained through Self-Directed Learning (SDL).

(https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Problem-based_learning)

Summary

               To summarize this report regarding problem-based learning, PBL is basically a learning process that allows students to learn about a subject by themselves while the teachers change their role from being a source to an advisor. It stimulates teamwork, and finishes with a presentable product. I believe that this learning process is probably one of the best options for us homeschoolers and hope that everyone else agrees with me.