Problem Based Learning (PBL)

Introduction

In Problem-Based learning, "the problem drives the learning." Students are given a problem to solve that requires gathering new knowledge before they can solve it. The problem is posed before the learning in order to motivate learning and enhance long-term retention and application to new material. The links below describe the process for using this approach and provide numerous examples in all disciplines.

General Resources

"Problem-Based Learning," Speaking of Teaching, Stanford University Newsletter on Teaching, Vol. 11, No. 1, Winter 2001
Describes the features of PBL and the process for using it, including assessment.
http://www.stanford.edu/dept/CTL/cgi-bin/docs/newsletter/problem_based_learning.pdf

"Problem-based Learning, especially in the context of large classes," Don Woods (McMaster University).
An overview of PBL with examples of using PBL in a chemical engineering program. Links to an online book about PBL.
http://chemeng.mcmaster.ca/pbl/PBL.HTM

Leap into Problem-based Learning (University of Adelaide, Au).
This link provides a downloadable 69-page PDF document designed to introduce PBL and guide instructors new to PBL through all the stages of developing, using, and assessing PBL in their courses. This in-depth handbook would also be helpful to the more experienced PBL user.
http://www.adelaide.edu.au/learning/

Problem-Based Learning (University of Delaware).
A comprehensive, award-winning site with links to the PBL Clearinghouse; sample PBL problems, courses, and syllabi; and other PBL sites.
http://www.udel.edu/inst/

Problem-Based Learning Clearinghouse (University of Delaware).
Free registration to the PBL Clearinghouse gives the user access to a wide range of PBL problems and articles.
https://primus.nss.udel.edu/Pbl/

Problem-Based Learning: A Total Approach to Education by Howard S. Barrows, M.D. and Ann Myers Kelson, M.A. (Southern Illnois University School of Medicine)
A seven-page guide to understanding PBL, its philosophy, goals and objectives, processes, assessment, and teaching roles.
http://wed.siu.edu/faculty/BPutnam/584/PBL Document.pdf

Problem-Based Learning (University of Medicine & Dentistry of New Jersey Center for Teaching Excellence)
Maintains a fully annotated collection of links to PBL sites in the following categories: Introduction, Methods & Tools, Learning Issues, Medline Searches, PBL Centers, and Additional Resources.
http://cte.umdnj.edu/active_learning/active_pbl.cfm

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