What is Problem-Based Learning?
Problem-Based Learning (PBL) is an educational approach where learning is driven by working through complex, real-world problems. Unlike traditional learning methods that start with theory and follow with application, PBL begins with the problem itself, pushing students to use existing knowledge and identify further information they need to solve it. This method encourages active engagement, self-directed learning, and the application of knowledge in practical, real-life situations. By grappling with real-world issues from the outset, students develop critical thinking, problem-solving skills, and the ability to find and utilize various resources for learning.
Why Should You Consider Problem-Based Learning?
There are many reasons that you could consider Problem-Based Learning. Here are a few of them:
Infographic created using PowerPoint; Source: Queens University, New York.
The rapid increase in accessible knowledge and the interdisciplinary nature of today's challenges necessitate graduates who are not only knowledgeable but also adept at lifelong learning, critical thinking, and problem-solving across various disciplines. PBL equips students with these essential skills by fostering an environment where they can develop transferable skills alongside discipline-specific knowledge. This approach aligns with the expectations of a university education, preparing students for the complexities of professional practice and enabling them to conceptualize and implement creative solutions.
How Can I Implement This Strategy?
You have learned about Problem-Based Learning and are ready to begin. Where do you start?
To implement PBL, instructors should start by presenting students with a problem before teaching the relevant knowledge. This encourages students to engage with the problem using their existing knowledge and identify what more they need to learn. Instructors then transition to a facilitator role, guiding students as they independently seek out necessary information through self-directed study. This process involves identifying learning needs, researching, applying new knowledge to the problem, and self and peer assessment. It's crucial for instructors to provide initial knowledge prerequisites and scaffold learning for those new to PBL, ensuring students understand the PBL process and what is expected of them.
Problem-Based Learning Examples for each College:
College of Business
Marketing Campaign Development
Problem: A local non-profit aims to increase its visibility and donations but struggles with limited resources and public awareness. Create an effective marketing campaign.
Strategy: Design a marketing campaign that utilizes both traditional and digital platforms to achieve these goals.
Financial Analysis and Investment
Problem: Tesla, Inc. shows fluctuating financial performance amidst rapid industry changes. Analyze its financial health and propose a strategic investment plan.
Strategy: Analyze Tesla, Inc.'s financial statements from the past three years. Propose an investment strategy based on your findings, considering current market trends.
Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Project
Problem: The fast fashion industry significantly contributes to environmental degradation. Design a CSR initiative for a clothing retailer to address this issue.
Strategy: Evaluate the environmental impact of fast fashion. Develop a CSR initiative for a major clothing retailer that mitigates negative environmental impacts while maintaining profitability.
College of Education
Curriculum Development for Diverse Learners
Problem: High school biology classes often fail to engage students with diverse learning needs, including ADHD and dyslexia. Develop an inclusive unit plan.
Strategy: Design a unit plan for a high school biology course that incorporates strategies for students with varying learning abilities, including those with ADHD and dyslexia.
Classroom Management Strategy
Problem: A 4th-grade classroom exhibits high levels of disruptive behavior, hindering learning. Formulate a management plan focusing on positive reinforcement.
Strategy: Develop a classroom management plan for a 4th-grade class with high levels of disruptive behavior, focusing on positive reinforcement and engagement strategies.
Assessment and Evaluation
Problem: Standardized testing is criticized for not accurately measuring student learning. Critique its effectiveness and propose an alternative assessment method for a specific subject.
Strategy: Critique the effectiveness of standardized testing in measuring student learning. Propose an alternative assessment method for a specific subject that is more aligned with learning objectives.
Educational Technology Integration
Problem: Middle school history education lacks engagement and interactive learning opportunities. Propose a virtual reality integration plan to enhance learning.
Strategy: Propose a plan to integrate virtual reality technology into a middle school history curriculum, outlining specific learning objectives and assessment methods.
College of Arts & Sciences
Historical Research Presentation
Problem: The Great Depression's impact on New York City's economy and society is well-documented, but contemporary parallels and lessons remain unexplored. Conduct a comparative analysis.
Strategy: Examine the economic and social impacts of the Great Depression on New York City. Present your findings and draw parallels to the economic challenges faced today.
Public Health Campaign
Problem: Rural areas show low vaccination rates due to access and misinformation issues. Design a campaign to address these challenges and improve vaccination rates.
Strategy: Develop a public health campaign aimed at increasing vaccination rates in rural areas, addressing common misconceptions and logistical challenges.
Environmental Science Project
Problem: The local bee population is declining rapidly, threatening ecosystem balance. Investigate causes and propose community-based solutions.
Strategy: Investigate the declining bee population in your region. Propose a series of actionable steps that local communities can take to protect and support bee habitats.
Literary Analysis Project
Problem: Novels exploring racial identity themes offer insights into societal issues, yet their lessons are often overlooked. Analyze a novel's presentation of racial identity and its societal relevance.
Strategy: Choose a novel that explores themes of racial identity. Analyze how the author presents these themes and their relevance to current societal issues.
Beacom College of Computer & Cyber Sciences
Software Development Project
Problem: Urban populations lack awareness and tools to reduce their carbon footprint effectively. Develop an app to address this problem.
Strategy: Design a mobile app that helps users reduce their carbon footprint through daily activities, incorporating user feedback to refine the app's features.
Cybersecurity Challenge
Problem: A healthcare provider has suffered a data breach, exposing sensitive patient information. Identify the system's vulnerabilities and recommend a security upgrade.
Strategy: A small healthcare provider has experienced a data breach. Identify the vulnerabilities in their system and propose a security overhaul to protect patient data.
Data Analysis and Visualization
Problem: The relationship between COVID-19 spread and population mobility is unclear in urban settings. Analyze data to uncover patterns and suggest containment strategies.
Strategy: Use the provided dataset on COVID-19 infection rates and mobility data to identify patterns and present a strategy to mitigate spread in densely populated areas.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) Solution Design
Problem: California's wildfire prediction efforts are inadequate for early prevention. Create an AI model to improve prediction accuracy using historical data.
Strategy: Develop an AI model that predicts the likelihood of wildfires in California using historical weather and terrain data to aid in early prevention efforts.
Network Design and Implementation
Problem: A new university campus requires a robust network infrastructure to support its academic and administrative activities, ensuring scalability and security.
Strategy: Design a scalable and secure network infrastructure for a new university campus, ensuring high availability and efficiency for academic and administrative needs.
Resources for Further Learning
Want more information? Check out these resources for further learning:
For more recent insights and developments in Problem-Based Learning (PBL), you can explore the following resources. These materials reflect contemporary research, applications, and discussions surrounding PBL, offering updated perspectives and methodologies for educators interested in implementing or enhancing PBL in their curriculum.
- "Problem-Based Learning in the Health and Medical Professions Education" by Bridges, S., McGrath, C., & Whitehill, T.L. (2012). This book provides a comprehensive overview of PBL applications in health and medical education, discussing its impact on developing professional competencies.
- "A Practical Guide to Problem-Based Learning Online" by Savin-Baden, M. (2020). Recognizing the shift towards online education, this guide focuses on adapting PBL for online environments, offering strategies for engaging students and facilitating learning in virtual settings.
- "The Power of Problem-Based Learning" by Duch, B.J., Groh, S.E., & Allen, D.E. (Eds.) (2001). Although slightly older, this book remains relevant for its practical advice on designing and implementing PBL across various disciplines, with a focus on higher education.
- Journal of Problem-Based Learning in Higher Education. This peer-reviewed journal publishes research, theory, and practice about PBL in higher education, offering a wealth of recent articles and case studies.
- "Interdisciplinary Problem-Based Learning: An Alternative to Traditional Majors and Minors" by Kane, L. (2017). This article explores the use of PBL in fostering interdisciplinary education, arguing for its effectiveness in preparing students for complex real-world problems.
For the most current research and discussions, academic journals and conferences dedicated to educational methodologies and innovations are invaluable resources. Websites of educational institutions known for their PBL programs may also offer updated publications, case studies, and resources on PBL.
- Journal of Problem-Based Learning in Higher Education: https://journals.aau.dk/index.php/pbl/article/view/7678
- "A Practical Guide to Problem-Based Learning Online" by Savin-Baden, M.: A Review is available for access through the Karl Mundt Library, EBSCOhost. Or you can look at the review here.