Group+3

"It's time to take chances, make mistakes, and get messy!" -Mrs. Frizzle

Just like on the Magic School Bus, we will explore and discover...

__ Problem Based Learning __



"Problem-Based Learning (PBL) is an instructional method of hands-on, active learning centered on the investigation and resolution of messy, real-world problems." http://www.learning-theories.com/problem-based-learning-pbl.html

A strategy that has been used for centuries was given a name. Since the age of man, people have been faced with problems and searched for ways to solve them. It wasn't until the 1960's, at the Medical School of McMaster's University in Canada that this method of thinking was formalized and ordered into a teaching approach. It was here that the faculty introduced a learning environment that was a combination of small group, cooperative, self-directed, interdependent, self-assessed interactions. Since then this approach has been called Problem Based Learning. Later on other medical schools adapted the theory. This theory has been accepted at universities across the world, like the University of Limburg at Maastricht (the Netherlands), the University of Newcastle (Australia), and the University of New Mexico (United States). Now we are discovering that PBL can be used in any grade level. Students are always capable of asking questions and discovering solutions.
 * O **nce upon a time, in Canada ...

There are many things to think about when using a PBL approach to teaching such as... The teacher would walk around and tutor or guide, but not give the answers - the students would ask questions, conduct research, and solve problems. "Feedback and reflection on the learning process and group dynamics are essential components of PBL" wikipedia The goals of PBL are for students to gather information on their own, and for students to solve a problem with guidance from the instructor. Ultimately, each child is to reach the same goal, but in their own way. There would be computers and tools available for the students to use in the classroom. These would be important for various types of research.Cameras could be used to record data. Technology, like science tools (microscopes, calculators, thermometers, computer simulations), can be easily intergrated into instruction. The classroom (click to see an example of this type of classroom) would be an open classroom. Students would work in groups and piggyback questions and answers off of each other. Students would get as close to experiencing the problem as they can in order to find a solution. The instructor would circulate, acting simply as a guide, and assign questions to probe the thinking. There would be free range in the classroom for the students to use whatever they need to in order complete the problem solving. This classroom would be every teacher's own version of the //Magic School Bus//. media type="custom" key="5740949" align="center"
 * What would the instruction look like?**
 * What are the goals for instruction?**
 * What would the technology integration look like?**
 * What would the classroom look like?**

PBL is a **constructivist** theory. This means the approach is based on student exploration. " Students are encouraged to take responsibility for their group and organize and direct the learning process with support from an instructor. Advocates of PBL claim it can be used to enhance content knowledge and foster the development of communication, problem-solving, and self-directed learning skil l." The theory applies from early childhood through grade twelve. There are many ways to go about PBL, though it may be difficult to practice correctly. It can be easily implemented with technology, for example students can be given computers to explore, research, etc. Students can use technology outside when they are engaging in scientific activities such as thermometers, calculators, measuring cups, cell phones, timers, and scales. There are many great technological tools for students to use in order to solve problems. One key word to remember in this theory is //inquiry//. Students should be encouraged to speak-up, and ask any questions that may come to mind. The classroom should be an "open climate."


 * Problem based learning is a very student-centered instructional strategy in which students collaboratively solve problems and reflect on their experiences.**
 * Learning is driven by challenging, open-ended problems.
 * Students work in small collaborative groups.
 * Teachers take on the role as "facilitators" of learning.




 * The following are some of the defining characteristics of PBL:**
 * Learning is driven by challenging, open-ended problems with no one “right” answer
 * Problems/cases are context specific
 * Students work as self-directed, active investigators and problem-solvers in small collaborative groups (typically of about five students)
 * A key problem is identified and a solution is agreed upon and implemented
 * Teachers adopt the role as facilitators of learning, guiding the learning process and promoting an environment of inquiry


 * The Good and The Bad-problems and strengths of Problem Based Learning**


 * Strengths:**
 * Recall prior knowledge
 * Learn in context
 * Gather information
 * stimulates curiosity and motivation
 * strengthens social skills
 * analyzing
 * individualized
 * Problems**
 * Students used to traditional teaching may have problems adjustng.
 * They might try to get the teacher the "right answer," what she wants, so that they get the A, when there isn't a right answer.
 * Students have to feel that they own the problem, so they give their own answers.


 * The Magic School Bus Connection**

The Magic School Bus is a popular children's book and television series, about a science teacher named Mrs. Frizzle and her magical bus. Her class is always presented with a scientific problem, for example, why did Arnold's skin turn orange? Mrs. Frizzle does not tell the answer. Instead, she takes her students on a field trip in which they get a closer look at the problem in order to investigate. The students work together, ask questions, and use their prior knowledge to try and discover answers. Mrs. Frizzle acts as a guide on the side but mostly allows the students to build their own knowledge. They take chances, and make mistakes, and get messy, until they discover the solution to their original question or problem.

http://www.learning-theories.com/problem-based-learning-pbl.html [] http://www.cotf.edu/ete/teacher/teacherout.html http://www.pbl.uci.edu/whatispbl.html http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Problem-based_learning http://www.mcli.dist.maricopa.edu/pbl/info.html []
 * Important Links:**