Problem Based Learning (PBL): A student-centered teaching-learning method

Robert Kiyosaki once said that “Inside of every problem lies an opportunity.’ So why not find that opportunity and the solution booth. This concept has been adopted in the education sector as problem-based learning. 

What is Problem Based Learning?

Problem-based learning is a method of teaching. The primary theory is the use of real-life problems to encourage students. Thereby motivate the students to come up with possible solutions to the problem.

What is a problem based learning in education?

PBL can apply at all educational levels. It has already found the path into the education system. Inside the education system, PBL has some unique features. In educational aspects, students learn about a particular subject by solving an open-ended problem. The problem can select from society or within the curriculum. However, students get the chance to experience the problem-solving process themselves. At the same time, they receive subject-related knowledge. At present, this concept reaches the systematic approaches of pedagogy.

History of problem-based learning

PBL originated at the McMaster University Medical Program. The timeline run backs a few decades to the past. This concept found the path to the civilized world in the mid-60s. A group of physicians and group basic scientists founded the idea at the beginning. Barrows and Tamblyn pioneered the PBL process at the medical school. The Scientist initially focused on the introduction of reformations to the system. They wanted to change the traditional undergraduate education system into an exciting experience. Although it emerged in the medical field, it spread among other academic streams very fast.

Despite the field of employs, PBL shares similar characteristic features.

· Once you find the problem, it should be able to motivate the students. The question should have the ability to push students to go after deeper understanding.

· The problem should be reasonable and logical to understanding. It is the only way for students to introduce solutions.

· The problem content must be related to the student’s curriculum and knowledge. It is best if the problem could meet the academic objectives.

· Specifically designed problems can use for group projects and studies. At this moment, the problem should be complex enough so all the students in the group can participate somehow.

· A multistage problem should present as an open-ended problem. It helps to draw student’s attention to the project.

Problem- based learning and inquiry-based learning

Problem-based learning and inquiry-based learning are two different techniques. Yet, it can be confusing sometimes. Both of them can know as student centers teaching and learning methods. Both these methods require students to concentrate on their projects and to suggest new ideas. They have similarities in this aspect. But there are other differences.

Inquiry-based learning is focused on the students’ ability to research, understand, and correct themselves. They are given a big part of the process to self-study and identify the problems. However, in problem-based learning, the issues are already there. Students have to give their suggestions about how to solve the problem. Most of the time, the problem is a real-life problem. Therefor most of the students can relate to and understand.

 Advantages of PBL

·        Student-centered learning opportunity

The most significant character of the PBL is the student-focused system. In this method, students can actively participate in the process. They also have the chance to speak and share their ideas about the problem. Active participation in the process encourages the student’s self-confidence and knowledge. In the end, it harnesses lifelong skills and in-depth knowledge and give excellent lifelong learning.

·        Exposure to practical and real-life situations

Academic experts always discuss the gap between the educational curriculums and the applicability. PBL offers a successful path to execute the reformations of the system. Exposure to real-life situations helps students to understand the world of work.

·        Deeper learning opportunities.

PBL focuses on increasing the students’ interaction with learning materials. In the beginning, students receive guidance. They can try to apply the concepts to everyday situations. This is a golden standard to enhance their knowledge and understanding. Students also activate their previous learning by brainstorming.

·        Self-learning and sense of responsibility

Since the students encourage to find the solution themselves, they have a better chance of self-learning. Students will search for more knowledge using the library, journal articles, and the internet.

· Adaption skills

The self-learning opportunities encourage not only in-depth understanding but the adapting skills. The student will try to relate the new information they found to the problem. This leads to the awakening of student’s potentials. Students also have to cope with the resources to find a solution. It helps with the adaptation skills of the younger generation.

· Development of interpersonal skills and team spirit

One of the first points of differences of PBL from conventional learning is group work. Students are encouraged to work as a group. It gives them a feel of belongingness. To make their teamwork, they will have to work collaboratively. 

The group is a diverse environment with different personalities and a variety of ideas. While working as a group, students improve mutual respect, tolerance to other ideas, and flexibility. It also provides a peer learning opportunity.

· Enhance teacher-student relationship.

Active participation of students helps to develop the bond between student and teacher. Teachers who work at the traditional and PBL systems always prefer PBL. It gives amusements for both parties and an exciting journey of education.

With all these advantages, PBL is also coming with some problems.

· Time consuming process.

Despite student’s willingness, the pressure of covering the massive curriculum with time can be challenging. Individual student presentations will take some time than traditional lectures.

· Problems to adjust the system

Both teachers and students can struggle to adapt to the system. Most of the teachers who worked in the traditional method can experience some hardships. But with proper training, teachers’ participation can increase.

· Problems of evaluation strategies.

Once the PBL is adapted to the system, education administrations have to come up with new student evaluation methods. It requires far more effort than the all-time written exams. But the presentations, peer evaluations can use as alternatives.

What is Problem based learning in elementary school?

The use of PBL learning in elementary schools can result in more results than older students. Youngers students are fresh to the system. We can quickly adapt them and introduce them to PBL. Students who has previous experience with PBL have shown different vibes than others. These students visualized better conflict management in the lunchroom and playground. They also express creativity and asked more questions to find their answers. PBL is always linked with higher levels of education as high schools and colleges. When thee elementary children receive a positive experience, they will quickly adapt to the future system.

Problem-based learning for elementary children can be a bit tricky. One of the typical and straightforward example is training children to relate to the home garden work.

The teacher can encourage students to question about environment. The beautiful thing about elementary children is they find wonder in everything they see. The soil, grass, small plants, flowers, insects, and even the sky is exciting. Teacher can guide them to solve a problem they might face when working in a garden. For example, they can direct to grow a flowering plant. In this situation, children will have to find the right soil, water amount, and place.

Teachers can come up with Problem based learning example for elementary math related to creativity. The simple addition, subtraction functions can link with games or toys.

 Problem-based learning in middle schools

The adaption of PBL at the middle school level is challenging for teachers. Middle school students show an extraordinary level of creativity. But they seem little less focusing and full of energy. They require leadership powers and authority in their work. Introduction of group activity should be done with care. But, teachers can guide them to solve intriguing real-life problems that find in the curriculum. Problem-based learning examples middle school level always linked with subjects.

It is best if problem based learning math examples agree with the following criteria.

· First, you have to select the theory of the concept related to the student curriculum. Then introduce the concepts briefly to the students.

· During the introduction, you can relate to the students. You can search for what do they know and what they want new.

· Then, you have to find real-life applications related to the math theory. You can try to connect a flying airplane, an existing building on the ground, or a lifting elevator.

· You have to be careful with the skills development in students. A problem with multiple entry points will draw student attention. It allows students to think in different ways and create several solutions.

· As the teacher, you should encourage the students to present their ideas and solutions. Discuss them within the group and lead them to novel dimensions.

Problem-based learning examples science

Science class can be a lot to handle, but it also a fantastic platform to start the PBL approach. The conventional science class is limited space for students to investigate. Most of the time, teachers designed laboratory investigations to achieve one or a few course objectives.

But PBL can adapt to achieve the same objectives. While the teacher designs the practical outline, students can ask to develop design their method. For example, a teacher can guide the students to research the effect of Acid Rain on plant growth. Students will have to investigate their range of knowledge. The new experience can search for different sources. Members of the group can share the workload. Some have to create procedures for the controlled experiment. Others can focus on the experimental process. Few students can get together to collect the data to assess them. At the end of the session, students are allowed to make their conclusion. There, the teacher can guide them and discuss the effect of acid rain on plant growth.

Problem-based learning examples have frequently been used in high school and college-level educations. It is practicing for a few decades in the education sector now. Most of the creative routes methods need for elementary and middle school purposes.

Role of teacher or instructor in PBL

In a problem-based learning environment, the traditional role of the teacher changes. In the conventional system, the teacher and the textbooks serve as the sources of knowledge. But it changes with this scenario. The teacher acts pretty much as a guide or a coach for students.

The teacher needs to understand the phase of the students. A child learns to run gradually, step by step. This is the same. Students may not visualize the most significant problem-solving capacity at first. Still, the teacher should be able to guide the students in the right direction.

An instructor should keenly question students’ knowledge and beliefs. For this, problem based learning question examples can use. Then give only hints to correct their mistakes and guide the students through their research.

At the same, it is essential to direct students for better communication and interpersonal relationships. A bunch of elementary school children and middle school students can be a handful sometimes. There can be disagreements, struggles, and conflicts. Now, it is the teacher’s duty to resolve them within the students. 

The education of future generations plays a vital role in a nation. Applications of theories in practical situations and knowledge gaps are a hot topic among education experts. Problem-based learning is a successful and exciting opportunity to guide students to seek knowledge. Al the involved parties as teachers, students, parents, and administrators, share the responsibility to make it right. A teacher should be able to use the problem based learning example wisely to maintain the students’ engagement. It broadens the students’ positive attitudes toward learning and cultivates essential soft skills among the students. Once started at a very young age, PBL contributes to the growth and development of children. One day, they will become an active part of the industrial world. Then, they can relate the knowledge to solve real-life problems sustainably.

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