10
PROBLEM-BASED LEARNING
AND THE THREE CS
OF TECHNOLOGY
George H. Watson
Chapter Summary
Ready access to networked databases, on-line
newspapers and journals, and other Internet resources has dramatically altered
students’ pursuit of information for problem-based learning. The availability
of the Internet coupled with numerous channels of electronic communication
empowers student groups to work more expeditiously and more proficiently. This
chapter will highlight some examples of integrating creative uses of on-line
resources with problem-based learning.
Summary
The use of technology in
teaching does not guarantee successful outcomes any more than the application
of any other tool at our disposal. In fact, indiscriminate use of technology
for its own sake can often get in the way of meeting course objectives.
However, technology marches onward, and new solutions to old problems continue
to materialize. The impact of PBL on student learning and student attitudes can
be enhanced through appropriate use of technology. Computation, communication,
and collections are essential elements of the problem-solving process and are
at the heart of successful implementation of problem-based learning.
11
THE EVOLUTION
OF PROBLEM-BASED
LEARNING IN A
BIOTECHNOLOGY COURSE
Chapter Summary
“Biotechnology: Science and Socioeconomic
Issues,” a sophomorelevel course, has used problem-based learning (PBL)
exercises in combination with traditional lectures since 1993. The PBL
component of the course has evolved continually, including reducing the size of
the groups of students, training and using honors students as group
facilitators, reassessment of peer evaluation procedures, redistribution of the
PBL exercises more evenly throughout the semester, use of an interactive course
web page, and requiring the use of technology for group presentations.
12
A PBL COURSE THAT USES
RESEARCH ARTICLES
AS PROBLEMS
Harold B. White, III
Chapter Summary
Introduction to Biochemistry, a problem-based
learning (PBL) course for sophomore majors, uses a series of connected research
articles as problems and is a useful template for courses in other disciplines.
In addition to providing students with a historical perspective on their
discipline, the approach addresses many issues and skills relating to the
conduct of research that normally are not treated in textbookbased survey
courses.
13
INTEGRATING ACTIVE
LEARNING AND THE USE OF
TECHNOLOGY IN LEGAL
STUDIES COURSES
Valerie P. Hans
Chapter Summary
This chapter describes the integration of active
learning principles and the use of technology in an undergraduate course on the
criminal courts. The project requires students to participate in teams in a
plea bargaining exercise, in which they research relevant law on the Web and
negotiate with others to resolve a hypothetical case.
14
PROBLEM-BASED
LEARNING IN LARGE
AND VERY LARGE CLASSES
Harry L. Shipman and
Barbara J. Duch
Chapter Summary
When an instructor uses problem-based learning
(PBL) in a large class, some changes need to be made in the method to
accommodate the changed teaching situation. The first part of this paper will
describe some ways we have used PBL in large and very large classes. In
general, the class and course require more structure than smaller classes. The
second part of this paper is a preliminary report on a study of the
implementation of PBL in two identical classes, a large class of 120 students
and a very large class of 240 students. We found that the method did succeed in
both classes. However, the experiences of both students and instructors were
better in the smaller class.
15
PROBLEM-BASED LEARNING: PREPARING NURSES
FOR PRACTICE
Christine A. Cannon and
Kathleen A. Schell
Chapter Summary
Nurses in practice today are challenged by a
variety of problematic situations in providing healthcare. Nursing education
must integrate problem-based learning (PBL) strategies that prepare students to
approach and manage these real-life situations—ultimately, resulting in the
safe, effective, and efficient delivery of care.
Overall, student evaluations of this method were
favorable. The main problem was teacher availability to such a large number of
small groups meeting in two large rooms. At times, it was difficult to control
discussions unrelated to the case studies.
16
THE LARGE AND THE
SMALL OF IT
A CASE STUDY OF INTRODUCTORY
BIOLOGY COURSES
Richard S. Donham,
Florence I.
Schmieg, and Deborah E.
Allen
Chapter Summary
Problem-based learning (PBL) is used in both
small and medium-large sections of a two-semester Introductory Biology
sequence. Our experience suggests that while class size affects the
instructor’s choice of classroom management strategies, students value PBL and
working in groups in both settings.
Conclusion
One of the satisfactions
that we as instructors have from PBL is that we get to know our students better
than we do with a traditional lecture class. By removing ourselves from the
center of classroom action, we get to observe and listen to students during every
class. This allows us insight into the structure of their understanding of
biology and gives them experience in doing what we all know is the most
effective way to learn a topic—teaching it. This creates a classroom situation
in which “learning naturally results.”
17
PBL, POLITICS, AND
DEMOCRACY
Kurt Burch
Chapter Summary
Several features of
problem-based learning (PBL) are especially apt for social science courses.
With its use of open-ended problems and student groups, a PBL course can, in
itself, model political behavior and participatory democracy. This chapter
illustrates efforts to underscore these features in a pair of upper-level
courses in political science over a seven-year period.
Conclusion
By decentralizing the
classroom, students discover the latitude to explore ideas, form opinions, and
express themselves. They also find they must engage others and confront novel
ideas. Not every student will appreciate or take advantage of the
opportunities, but they will fare no less well than in a conventional course.
Those who become engaged will shine because they can radiate their creativity.
According to course evaluations, students enjoy and value these courses and
experiences. For example: “This course was very valuable for it allowed students
to participate in lectures and discussion. I gained a lot of insight from other
students’ viewpoints. The course required a lot of independent discipline. . .
. I’ve grown” (Spring, 1994). “[The class] allowed students to work through the
issues on their own rather than simply presenting conclusions to them” (Spring,
1995). “I enjoyed the assignments because they allowed me to
‘experience’ different perspectives rather than read about them” ( Spring,
1996). “I really did learn a lot in the course, not only about World Politics,
but also about interacting with people, making a point, and being receptive to
other points of view” (Spring, 1997). “I learned more than I thought possible
from one course” (Fall, 1998). “I liked the learning process that we used.
Forcing us to admit what we didn’t know and understand worked well. The group
project was difficult, but I learned an exceptional amount from it” (Winter,
1999). Nonetheless, some students may be frustrated, particularly those who
dualistically define “learning” as the collection of concrete right-or-wrong
“facts.”
Research drawn from
twenty years of PBL experience conclude that “PBL has done no harm in terms of
conventional tests of knowledge and that students may show better clinical
problem-solving skills. They also show that students are stimulated and
motivated by PBL as a method” (Albanese & Mitchell, 1993; Vernon &
Blake, 1993; quotation in Barrows, 1996, p. 10). Students retain information
longer and recall it more quickly and accurately (Barrows, 1984; 1996, p. 6) .
Thus, the foremost role of instruction should not be to convey information, but
to assist students to develop the necessary skills to direct their own learning
and to “construct” knowledge in ways that are effective for them (Bereiter
& Scardamalia, 1992). This conclusion reinforces my goal to teach
substance and skills.
Similarly, students valuably learn skills
necessary to direct their social and political lives in constructive and
enriching directions. Students benefit from personal experiences that
illustrate collaboration over competition, participation over indifference,
listening and deliberation over knee-jerk reaction, and democracy over
disillusionment or despotism. Developing these political and ethical
sensibilities is as important as fostering cognitive skills. Fortunately, PBL
methods promote political, social, and cognitive abilities.
18
USING PROBLEM-BASED
LEARNING IN GENERAL
CHEMISTRY
Susan E. Groh
Chapter Summary
Problem-based learning
(PBL) has become the central component of a yearlong Honors general chemistry
course for science majors. Realworld, contextual problems are used to introduce
concepts; students working together find and master the information and ideas
needed to generate a solution. Whole-class discussions of the problems are
supplemented by minilectures, demonstrations, and other active learning
techniques.
Summary
A course format that
uses a more directed form of PBL in conjunction with lectures and other
activities has been found to be an effective way to give first-year students a
powerful learning experience in general chemistry. Using problems to introduce
concepts provides students with a motivation for learning, as well as the
opportunity to share ideas and information with their peers. Using problems
with directed questions developed by the instructor provides a structure and
focus for the learning issues that might otherwise be lacking among this group
of novice nonmajor learners in a somewhat intimidating subject. Lecture
segments tie together issues generated in a problem with prior and future
concepts, as well as demonstrate “expert” strategies and ways of thinking in
the field.
19
A SKEPTIC’S LOOK AT PBL
Elizabeth M. Lieux
Chapter Summary
The author compares lecture
and problem-based learning ( PBL ) teaching methods in a course for
junior-level dietetics majors. Students are shown to achieve comparable test
scores on a nationally administered exam. Student evaluations of the course are
different for PBL and lecture-based classes.
20
PBL IN PRESERVICE
TEACHER EDUCATION
Eugene Matusov, John St.
Julien, and James A. Whitson
Chapter Summary
Two courses in the preservice elementary teacher
education were revised, initially, to develop models that might be used
throughout the program. While useful models were developed in a variety of
problems within these courses, the instructors conclude that differences
between “schoolish” and authentic problems are more essential to the success of
problem-based learning (PBL) than are the “models” provided by successful PBL
problems and courses.
21
INTRODUCTORY PHYSICS
A PROBLEM-BASED MODEL
Barbara A. Williams
Chapter Summary
This chapter describes a model used to
incorporate problem-based learning (PBL) into a two-semester algebra-based
introductory physics course. Student reaction to the course is detailed, as
well as student achievement results.