What is Problem Based Learning?
In Problem Based Learning, students learn through engaging with complex, real-life open-ended problems. Students are given a task or question and must actively engage with the problem, apply prior knowledge, and collaboratively agree a possible solution. It differs from project-based learning in that problem-based learning identifies, and then solves a problem, but does not necessarily produce a product. It is a widely adopted learning strategy particularly in Higher Education, where it supports diverse subjects such as medicine, engineering, and business studies students to critically engage with authentic problems, analyse and evaluate possible solutions (OECD, 2010).
In this section, principles of Problem Based Learning are introduced. Self-guided resources are:
- Learning approach: how learning takes place in Collaborative Learning, and the role of teacher and student in the classroom process.
- Video: Problem Based Learning: in this 5-minute video, US teacher John Spencer discusses the principles of Problem Based Learning (Spencer, 2018)
- Explore further: Additional resource links and videos to explore to support Problem Based Learning.
Quick Links for Problem Based Learning
Learning approach: Problem based learning is a constructivist approach: students learn by constructing knowledge and building on their knowledge and that of their peers. Students actively apply their subject knowledge, skills and disciplinary language to the problem, positioning students as active knowledge seekers, and cocreators of knowledge with their peers. Students learn through a collaborative process, which allows students in self-directed discussion to organise their knowledge and experience into possible visualisations of solutions, and to evaluate these (University of Illinois, 2023).
Video: What is Problem Based Learning?
In this 5-minute video, teacher John Spencer discusses the key principles of problem-based learning. (Spencer, 2018)
How learning takes place: Steps in Problem Based Learning
NB these steps may be across a series of lessons.
Explore Further: Resources to Support Problem Based Learning
Advantages and Cautions of Problem Based Learning
Advantages of Problem Based Learning: In problem-based learning the trigger for student learning is the identification of the problem to be solved, suggested by Dewey as initially connecting processes of ‘perplexity, confusion or doubt’ with students’ prior knowledge and understanding. As the process unfolds, students draw on new learning, resources, and peer learning. In addition, students test hypotheses, reflecting and adapting on their approaches individually and as a group. Studies of PBL suggest these learning processes support better long-term knowledge retention against traditional teaching processes (OECD, 2010).
Cautions of Problem Based Learning: In short term knowledge and skills retention studies of PBL appears less effective, but with many studies focusing on the application in higher education rather than secondary schooling. In common with the other inquiry-based approaches of project-based learning, and design-based learning, early adopters who have access to enhanced teacher development, and who are motivated to implement inquiry approaches tend to produce better outcomes. Basic knowledge and skills are not necessarily best supported through open ended approaches, and teachers may find more directive teaching is needed at the beginning of a topic to ensure basic knowledge and skills are embedded. Finally, teachers need sufficient planning time to ensure problem-based approaches are clearly aligned with, and deliver curriculum objectives, including what scaffolding different groups of students will need to successfully apply problem-based learning approaches (OECD, 2010).
Bibliography and Additional Resources Problem Base
- Cornell University. (2023). Problem Based Learning. https://teaching.cornell.edu/teaching-resources/engaging-students/problem-based-learning
- OECD. (2010). Prospects and challenges for inquiry-based approaches to learning. https://read.oecd-ilibrary.org/education/the-nature-of-learning/prospects-and-challenges-for-inquiry-based-approaches-to-learning_9789264086487-11-en#page3
- Spencer, J. (2018) What is Problem Based Learning. Available from: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RGoJIQYGpYk
- Structural Learning. (2023). Problem based learning-a teacher’s guide. https://www.structural-learning.com/post/problem-based-learning-a-teachers-guide
- Teacher Training. (2020). Five Steps to Problem Based Learning. Available from: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6m2SAsrjodI
- University of Iowa. (No date). Steps to a problem-based learning approach. https://teach.its.uiowa.edu/sites/teach.its.uiowa.edu/files/docs/docs/Steps_of_PBL_ed.pdf
- University of Illinois. (2023). Problem Based Learning. Available from: https://citl.illinois.edu/citl-101/teaching-learning/resources/teaching-strategies/problem-based-learning-(pbl)