PBL Review- what is it and where do I use it?

Problem-based learning deals with a poorly structured problem that is related to current events or student interest. Students are to figure out what they know about the problem and what they need to find out about it. From this point the students try to really define what the problem really is. This is a very important thing for the students to complete because if they don't truly understand the problem they won't be able to complete it or come up with sensible solutions for it. Students should then conduct research and begin to come up with many different solutions to their problem. Then the group should reason what solution is the best for their problem.

Problem-based learning can be used in any classroom. It helps students acquire factual knowledge, become good at general concepts in the classroom, and learn ways to solve a problem that can be applied throughout their life. Completing problem-based learning problems helps students to become better problem solvers, and be active learners. Rather than having a teacher lecture and tell them what to know and find out the students do that on their own. By having the problem apply to real-life situations helps the students be more invested in the problem and really want to find solutions. It is important for the teacher to act as a facilitator for the students. The teacher should not be giving the students answers but pointing them in the right direction of where to find the answers. PBL's also help students learn how to work in groups. Since the problem is so poorly presented all students in the group are going to have to do research to try and find out what the question is really wanting to know.