The Power of Problem-Based Learning

A Practical "How To" for Teaching Undergraduate Courses in Any Discipline

Barbara J. Duch, Susan E. Groh, Deborah E. Allen

• Publisher: Stylus Publishing
• Year: 2011
• Print ISBN: 9781579220372
• eBook ISBN: 9781620360484
• Topic: Education
• Subtopic: Education Teaching Methods

Problem-based learning is a powerful classroom process, which uses real world problems to motivate students to identify and apply research concepts and information, work collaboratively and communicate effectively. It is a strategy that promotes life-long habits of learning.The University of Delaware is recognized internationally as a center of excellence in the use and development of PBL. This book presents the cumulative knowledge and practical experience acquired over nearly a decade of integrating PBL in courses in a wide range of disciplines.This "how to" book for college and university faculty. It focuses on the practical questions which anyone wishing to embark on PBL will want to know: "Where do I start?"–"How do you find problems?"–"What do I need to know about managing groups?"–"How do you grade in a PBL course?"The book opens by outlining how the PBL program was developed at the University of Delaware--covering such issues as faculty mentoring and institutional support--to offer a model for implementation for other institutions.The authors then address the practical questions involved in course transformation and planning for effective problem-based instruction, including writing problems, using the Internet, strategies for using groups, the use of peer tutors and assessment. They conclude with case studies from a variety of disciplines, including biochemistry, pre-law, physics, nursing, chemistry, political science and teacher educationThis introduction for faculty, department chairs and faculty developers will assist them to successfully harness this powerful process to improve learning outcomes.

Table of contents

• Contents
• Preface
• 1. Why Problem-Based Learning?
• 2. Faculty Mentoring Faculty
• Appendix to Chapter 2
• 3. Make it So
• 4. Models for Problem-Based Instruction in Undergraduate Courses
• 5. Writing Problems for Deeper Understanding
• Appendix to Chapter 5
• 6. Strategies for Using Groups
• 7. Getting Started in Problem-Based Learning
• 8. Undergraduate Group Facilitators to Meet the Challenges of Multiple Classroom Groups
• 9. Assessment Strategies in a Problem-Based Learning Course
• Appendix to Chapter 9
• 10. Problem-Based Learning and the Three Cs of Technology
• 11. The Evolution of Problem-Based Learning in a Biotechnology Course
• 12. A PBL Course that Uses Research Articles as Problems
• 13. Integrating Active Learning and the Use of Technology in Legal Studies Courses
• 14. Problem-Based Learning in Large and Very Large Classes
• 15. Problem-Based Learning: Preparing Nurses for Practice
• 16. The Large and The Small of It
• Appendix to Chapter 16
• 17. PBL, Politics, and Democracy
• 18. Using Problem-Based Learning in General Chemistry
• Appendix to Chapter 18
• 19. A Skeptic's Look at PBL
• 20. PBL in Preservice Teacher Education
• 21. Introductory Physics
• Appendix 1 to Chapter 21
• Appendix 2 to Chapter 21
• Index