Reflection on Problem Based Learning

What are your initial reactions to this theory/model? What are barriers to its use? What benefits might be expected for those who overcome the barriers?

When I first saw the title for this week's learning theory, I thought, "Did we just do that?!"  I was reminded immediately of the Guided Design model because in both situations, students are asked to solve a problems as part of the learning process.  The catch, however, with Problem Based Learning, is that students are not taught prerequisite skills or knowledge, but acquire them throughout the problem solving process.

My initial concern with this approach is the time that students would have to spend "re-inventing the wheel" each time they approached a problem.  Students at all levels do need practice researching and seeking out information but if a large chunk of their learning time is spent on this with every new problem, that could take any from the time actually spent with the content or solving the problem.  Also, since the teacher (or "tutor") doesn't offer real feedback until the end of the process, students might find and use faulty or incorrect information and have to "unlearn" this content later.  The Hung, Bailey, and Jonassen article also brings up the issue of Problem Based Learning not providing students with the breadth of the content, just depth in one particular area.

This model does however model the real world because individuals often have to seek out solutions without any guidance.  Students would gain practice with cooperating in a group, sharing information, researching, and presenting and defending a solution.  I can see how this would result in better student retention and motivation because students are engaged at all steps of this process.

Would you attempt to use this theory/model with the students you are currently teaching or hope to teach in the future? Why or why not? Could elements of the theory/model be modified so that it would work with your current/future students?


Honestly, I can't see myself doing this very often in an elementary setting.  I loved the Guided Design Approach, with the introduction of knowledge and skills first and the problem solving as practice with a set of resources available as help.  Problem Based Learning, however, just doesn't seem to have enough structure for younger learners.  There would be a LOT of floundering, confusion, and incorrect information to sort through. (I had a very difficult time convincing one of my fourth graders last week that Michelle Obama has NOT posed for Playboy.  "But, Mrs. Smith...I was doing research and I read it on the internet!  It was in an article!")


I could see using this strategy maybe once or twice a school year after students have had many Guided Design experiences to practice problem solving and research skills.  Unfortunately, with all the breadth of information that students are tested on at the end of the year, there is just not enough time to regularly let students solve open-ended problems without more guidance and direction.

Since we're taking learning theories/models that were not necessarily created with the Web in mind and turning them into Web modules, what Web-based tools or resources could be leveraged to carry out this learning theory/model online?

Week after week, many of the same programs seem relevant and appropriate, no matter which model we're discussing.  Again, Elluminate, Google Docs, Writeboard, and Second Life, Facebook, AIM, and Skype could all be formats for students to meet and share information online.  As far as presenting their solutions, students could use programs such as Prezi, Vcasmo, SlideRocket, or Knoodle.