Problem-based Learning or PBL is a teaching mode that involves explaining to the students the various lessons of a subject by a unique process. They are made to solve a problem imbued in a topic that will instigate the students to find that solution. This mode of online teaching aligns with three primary constituents- problem-solving, group or individual research, and collaboration. This is one of the objectives of teaching.
The outcome of Problem-based Learning is manifold. It makes the students realize the benefits of teamwork, learn the art of acquiring knowledge, and develop critical thinking abilities. In this blog, we will brief you about the basics of problem-based learning and its various benefits.
Meaning Of Problem-Based Learning
Problem-based learning drives the students to find the answer or solution to a question obtained from a trigger material. Many institutions create various assessment items with the help of Enterprise Resource Planning or ERP and present the trigger materials to the students in multiple formats that include articles, lab data, movies, videos, photographs, books, newspapers, magazines, etc.
This mode of online teaching entails the presence of small groups of students, say, about 8 to 10, with a teacher guiding them towards the right discussion approach. Every student has some role to play during the discussion or problem-solving period. Various real-world issues can be taken as the basis for the online discussion, thus making the students aware of new topics by implementing their research policies. In this way, they are not just directly memorizing facts but learns the various approaches to find answers to the topic. The learners gain an in-depth understanding of the topic, and it is undoubtedly one of the most precious things that they can learn.
Benefits Of Problem-Based Learning
- Students acquire long-lasting learning skills and make them highly erudite persons in a specific discipline.
- They get to participate in this learning mode actively and gain better insights into the concept of ‘active learning.’
- The cognitive growth of the students is enhanced to a great extent.
- Teachers motivate the students and help them come out of problems by providing them with the essential guide, thus strengthening the teacher-student bond.
- Since this learning method gives immense flexibility to the students, they find Problem-based Learning or PBL highly fascinating. It motivates them to work harder and point out the littlest of details that make up a concept.
- This mode of learning helps in the development of interpersonal skills in the students.
How To Implement Problem-Based Learning In The Educational Institutions?
- Conducting training sessions and making the faculty take preparations for a change in the teaching process.
- Setting up a separate committee consisting of experienced educators who can make important decisions about the PBL method.
- Preparing the new curriculum based on PBL for the students and chalking out estimations of the outcome of such a learning process.
- Arranging a consultation meeting with the Problem-based Learning experts.
- Organizing a special session for the students to explain this new concept to them vividly.
- Altering the assessment system to meet the goals of Problem-based Learning ad explaining the same to the students when the assessment mode has been changed.
- Supplying new learning resources to the students and compiling the trigger material for them to engage in problem-solving.
Examples Of Problem-Based Learning
To help you understand the concept of Problem-based Learning clearly, let’s look at the following examples.
- For humanities and social science classes, teachers can make the students survey urban planning and socio-economic conditions of a particular region in the town. In this way, they will delve deep into the topic enthusiastically and research teamwork and interesting findings.
- For science classes, you can take the students on a trip to biodiversity parks and make them use their observations and knowledge to answer particular questions.
- In the Mathematics classes, you can work on some coding lessons to strengthen your analytical thinking capabilities.
Final Words
Embracing Problem-based learning is a good decision that an institution can make. It aids in the holistic development of the learners and helps them have proper knowledge of the subject that they are learning. By using collaborative, research, and presentation tools, teachers can help make this learning model a huge success.