PLB Reading/Review

Problem based learning focuses on hands on, student centered learning that involves real world everyday problems. It is a widely used method of teaching and when used correctly, it can be very beneficial for all involved. An essential for creating a PBL is to involve an ill-structured problem. These problems are messy and confusing at first, which is what students are trying to figure out. The problem needs to be create enough to keep students interested and get them hooked into learning about the problem.

During a PBL, students are given roles within their groups. These roles help to maintain students interest and also make sure every student is doing some work on the problem. In the end, the point of a PBL is to get students thinking at a higher level. To apply skills from all areas and apply it to a problem that students need to work through together. Students will work through a thought process and use the scientific method to determine outcomes and guesses. Students will also go through each step one at a time rather than looking for an overall answer.

Problem based learning is used in the classroom over any topic that is challenging to teach or for students to grasp. These problems can be done in groups to establish more peer collaboration and communication. In general, PBLs are important in every classroom