Problem Based Learning (PBL) Readings

According to the readings, a Problem Based Learning experience, or commonly referred as a PBL is a hands on, in depth group project where students are given a challenging question that has many parts to solve. The question requires students to use past knowledge and use resources to solve the question, and the answer doesn't align just an equation. The question needs to be based on the real world, developmentally appropriate, and needs to be able to relate to the students interests. The teacher needs to give students time to work on the PBL collaboratively, but parts of the PBL need to be split up so students work independently. While students are working on a PBL, the teacher is suppose to have more of a mentor or coach role. The teacher is there to answer questions students may have, but not lead a group. The teacher needs to remember to give students time to work on this project and suppose to take this project very seriously and present the assignment as a document. Giving the students this much freedom sends the message that they are controlling their learning, while providing them of higher order thinking problems. With a PBL students can use a variety of resources (books, internet, interviews, going out in the community, etc.) to find their answers. At the end of this assignment, teachers should use a typical rubric to assess the assignment. The criteria should be clearly explained in the beginning of the assignment, so there aren't any mix ups. The criteria should include how smoothly and effectively the group worked together, how each individual worked on the assignment and how much the contributed, the solution of the problem, and how the group came to the solution.