A weighted average calculated for the three measures results in a final composite
score. Specific weights may be assigned by the instructor depending on the specific course
format.To assess content knowledge, the PBL Challenges include a test bank consisting of multiplechoice
questions, closed-ended problems, and higher-level thought provoking questions
centered on specific technical content associated with the particular problem. Conceptual
knowledge refers to a student’s understanding of and relationship between key concepts
underlying a particular domain of knowledge. To assess conceptual knowledge, the PBL
Challenges include a list of main concepts related to the topic being explored, a reference or
“expert” concept map for instructors, detailed instructions for students on how to construct a
concept map, and a concept map scoring rubric. Assessing problem solving ability involves
both formative and summative assessments. Formative or in-process assessment is
accomplished via the Whiteboards. As students collaboratively engage a problem by
completing the four Whiteboards, they reflect upon and elucidate their current state of
understanding, their thought processes, and problem solving strategies. Research shows that
verbalizing the thought process while engaging in problem solving improves metacognition,
which is essential for effective problem solving [28]. Summative or post-process assessment
is accomplished through a Final Challenge Report. The Final Challenge Report is a reflective
journal that requires students to provide a detailed summary and critical analysis of the
problem-solving process employed in solving the PBL Challenge. Researchers maintain that
this final reflective exercise is essential in the development of effective problem-solvingskills [29]. A scoring rubric is provided to grade the Final Challenge Report.