An Introduction to
Problem-Based Learning Exercises
Problem-based learning is a method of teaching that presents learners with a real-life, ill-structured
problem that has no easy solution. Some of the benefits of problem-based learning (PBL) include an
opportunity for problem solving according to individual learning styles and the development of critical
thinking skills. It is knowing by doing—the learning takes place while you work through the problem.
The primary goal of Marin County Sheriff’s Office Problem-Based Learning Exercises (PBLEs) is to further
your knowledge in an important topic area so that you can enhance your skills in your current position or
prepare for a new position. A secondary goal is to build “training materials” for our in-house training
programs so that future trainees or employees will have access to these materials.
Once presented with a Problem-Based Learning Exercise (PBLE), you must follow the following steps to
work through the problem. These steps are to be documented in your project and this documentation
should be stored somewhere in the beginning pages of your project.
Ideas
This is the brainstorming time. You should list all initial ideas for solving the problem. Later, you revisit
these ideas to determine their validity in light of new information gained during the process of working
through the problem.
Known Facts
Here you identify what you know about the problem. What are the known facts from the problem
statement? This helps clarify the complexity of issues raised in the problem. This may also involve listing
your knowledge about issues specific to the incident, such as code violations, conflict resolution
techniques, etc.
Learning Issues
What do you need to know (learn) to address the problem? At this point you begin to seek information
from available resources. Once you start to pick up information, you often need to revise your ideas list.
Often, when you address your learning issues, you discover new ways to approach the problem. So it can
be a process of eliminating ideas that don’t work or discovering ideas that might work.
Action Plan
Develop an action plan based on your research. What form will your project take? What will you need to
do to get your project underway? What is your time estimate and how will you manage your time?
Evaluation
You will be evaluated on both the product and the process using the attached PBLE rubric. To be rated
successful in completing this project you are not allowed to attain a score of “not achieved” in any of the
task categories. A “not achieved” rating in a category will require that the project be returned to you to
raise the score to achieved or above in those categories. On the “Timeline” task, getting a “not achieved”
score cannot be remediated, therefore this