Problem Based Learning

Problem based learning model is an instructional tool that incorporates many of the skills that students need for the 21st century. It encourages the students to learn to function in a group, as well as emphasizing problem solving skills.

In a literature class, we often do not look at constructing units that focus on students developing plans and focusing on solving a problem. However, it is plausible to use this type of model in all subjects and grades. According to Egbert (2009), there are several reasons that teachers tend to hesitate over adopting a problem-based model for instruction. The first reason is that “teacher must break out of the content-dissemination mode and help their students do the same” (p.162). Essentially, teachers must move away from focusing learning on content and must instead develop lessons that emphasize problem solving and critical thinking. Egbert also points out that many teachers hesitate to implement problem based learning because they feel that they have too much content to cover in the curriculum due to standardized tests (p.162). Teachers have to learn that with patience and creativity, they can integrate content into the problem-based model.

Egbert, Joy. (2009). Supporting learning with technology. Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson.