Engaging for Problem-Based Learning

	Exploring Current Issues in Educational Technology / Tiene & Ingram
	Website

Untitled Document

How to Be a Problem-Based Learning Student

If your professor is using this book in a class, you may be encountering a new way of teaching and learning. If you have become accustomed to sitting back and relaxing in class while your professor tells you what you need to know, then this course may require you to change your actions, thinking, and attitudes. Even if you have been learning in more active ways for some time, you may find elements of this approach to be different from what you are used to.
This book uses an approach to teaching and learning that is often called problem-based learning. Although some details may differ from one class to another, PBL has some key elements. One is that you, as a student, encounter the central problem before you have much (or any) background knowledge in the area. This may seem backwards to you. You may be more used to doing a lot of reading and studying before being asked to solve problems in a course.
In PBL classrooms you will probably be asked to work with other students to solve problems, or at least to go through most of the process in cooperation with your peers. This will mean that you will have to develop some trust in your group members, listen carefully to them, learn to challenge and argue with them without rancor, and take seriously their differing points of view. If you haven’t done much of this before, it can be a challenge.
Finally, you will find that what you can expect from your instructor is different. The question "Will this be on the exam?" is not one that is likely to be very useful in a PBL class. Your instructor will not be in the business of telling you what you need to know. Instead, what you can expect from him or her is guidance and assistance. PBL instructors will help your group stay on track, perhaps give some suggestions for where to find relevant information, and give you feedback on how you are doing. They will not tell you the answers.
Here are some skills that you might develop as you become an experienced PBL learner:

The ability to zero in on the key elements of a problem. As you discuss each problem with your group, you will become accustomed to seeing the real issues behind a given situation.
The ability to brainstorm problem-solving ideas, going beyond the obvious and learning to see things in a new way.
The ability to research the backgrounds to, causes of, and potential solutions to the problems that you encounter. Often, you will not be satisfied with your own initial opinions and attitudes or those of the group.
The ability to justify your solutions to problems by referring to solid information.

Begin a search: Catalog | Site | Campus Rep

Copyright ©2001 The McGraw-Hill Companies. All rights reserved. Any use is subject to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
McGraw-Hill Higher Education is one of the many fine businesses of The McGraw-Hill Companies.
For further information about this site contact mhhe_webmaster@mcgraw-hill.com.