Description of PBL and Scientific Inquiry
Problem-based learning is a student-centered method of teaching that involves learning through solving unclear but genuine problems. It is a constructivist, student-focused approach that promotes reflection, skills in communication and collaboration, and it requires reflection from multiple perspectives (Yelland, Cope, & Kalantzis, 2008). Students are confronted with real-life scenarios or a problem that requires a solution. The problem is often ill defined and messy, so there is no clear path or procedure to follow. Students analyze the problem and the context and apply deductive and inductive processes to understand the problem and find a possible solution or solutions. They use a priori and post priori knowledge to reason intellectually and are active learners in collaboration with others in small groups (Carroll, Clark, Kane, Sutherland, & Preston, 2009). Learners are required to utilize, wherever possible, the expertise of specialists and community members. The teacher’s role is that of facilitator or architect. The scientific method of inquiry is also a process of investigation. It is not necessarily a linear process, but it is a process. It can start with an observation and a question, after talking with others or after a personal experience. Figure 2 and Figure 3 shows the similarities and differences of the PBL mode of learning with the scientific method of inquiry, as it was used in this study.