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Project and Problem Based Learning

Erica Rodriguez

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Problem Based Learning

+ What is it? This type of learning gives students real world

problems and realistic dilemmas

The students are asked to come up with a solution to the problem, and there is not necessarily one correct answer

This type of learning fosters problem solving, higher order thinking, along with critical thinking skills

The problems don’t test skills they help students develop them

+ Steps to Problem based

instruction

1. Present the problem and scenario

2. List what is known

3. Develop a problem statement

4. List what is needed

5. List possible outcomes, solutions, or recommendations

6. Present and Support solutions

+Example

A teacher wants a first grade class to think critically about how to get a class pet. Their teacher has given them the following problem:

Our class would like to get a pet rabbit. What does our class need to do in order to buy and take care of a rabbit?

Students have prior knowledge about rabbits because they have been studying about them in class.

+Example continued

The students will develop a statement about what they are going to solve. They may work in groups and so the class will have several different statements.

They will also list what is needed. These will include things like money to buy the rabbit and supplies, and a schedule for who will clean the cage and feed the rabbit.

+Example continued The students will then work together to come up with

solutions for the problem. Some solutions may include; having a bake sale or car wash to raise money, and creating a calendar where students rotate who cleans and feeds the rabbit.

A final solution will then be given. An example of this may be that the class will have a bake sale to buy the rabbit and supplies. They will create a schedule for who takes care of the rabbit and display it in the classroom.

+Problem Based Learning Works!

This problem based learning can be used in all levels of educations

The system works because the problems are real world and relevant to the students which fosters curiosity and a want to learn.

+ Project Based Learning

+Project Based Learning This type of learning strays away from the normal

curriculum where students learn specific topics on certain days.

Students learn when they need to know the information for the project they are working on

Students do in-depth investigations that can take more than one or two class periods.

The learning is student centered and gives real life experiences with multiple perspectives

+7 aspects to project learning

1. Learner centered environments

2. Collaboration with other students and professionals

3. Curricular content but not a standard curriculum

4. Authentic real life tasks

5. Multiple modes to express learning

6. Emphasis on time management

7. Innovative assessment

+Example

A class of second graders is asked to grow their own plants.

They are given choices of seeds and pots and may chose up to three different plants and pots.

They chose where they want to place there plants, how and when they want to water it, and anything else they want to do for their plants.

+Example Continued Students journal about the state of their plants on each

day of the week. They also talk to other students about how their plants are doing.

At the end of the project students write a small paper on which of their plants grew best, why they think this is, and what they may do differently if planting another plant

This project will allow students to find out for themselves the best way to grow plants, while keeping there interest in a hands on experience they will remember.

+Both Problem based and project based

learning can improve students learning

tremendously!