Problem based learning is a didactic concept "active learning" There are three key characteristics of PBL which are
1. Using open - ended problems
2. Having students work on solving these open - end problem using small collaborative groups
3. Teachers are not allowed
That is, facilitate verses teach.
Problem-based learning is typically complete with small group, all lead by a facilitator
A constructed but realistic problem is presented to the group
This problem may be in terminal form (i.e., the root issue) or maybe an enabling issue.
it an enabling problem is presented, student must engage in inquiry to get information about the terminal problem.
Usually, "Problem" are ill-structured and open to differing approaches and offer thematic sidlines.
The student discuss the presented facts and data, further define roblems, analyze the support data and make recommendations for solution.
Typically, analysis and recommendation are presented in formal format but non-formal presentations work well too.
The process concludes with a debriefing which includes reflections on learning and lessons learned.
The role of the facilitator is direct the students by asking questions, largely metacognitive.
That is, metacognition is guiding students to know "What we know" and "what we don't know" The principle strategy is to connection new information to former knowledge, selection thinking strategies deliberately and planning, monitoring, and evaluating thinking processes - i.e., getting people to control their own learning.
Facilitators also observe the group interaction and give feedback on the work process.
Feedback and reflection on learning process and group dynamics are essential components of PBL.
The acquisition and strcturing of knowledge in PBL is thought to work through the following cognitive effects
- initial analysis of the problem and activation of perior knowledge through small-group discussion
- elaboration on prior knowledge and active processing of new information
- restructuring of knowledge, construction of semantic network
- learning in context
- stimulation of curiosity related to presentation of a relevant problem