Problem-based learning (PBL) promotes critical analysis and logical reasoning.
Problem-based learning (PBL) is a pedagogical methodology that consists of presenting conflicts or situations that require a solution . In this way, the student must develop hypotheses , collect information and carry out a process of reflection and reasoning to find the solution.
It is a student-centered education strategy : although there is a teacher , professor , tutor or facilitator who provides support and guides the process, it is the student who directs the actions, developing their cognitive skills. It is also considered to be a cooperative learning method because the protagonist needs to interact with his peers and other individuals to advance, thereby also deploying and putting into practice his interpersonal skills.
Your story
The history of problem-based learning began in the 1960s . The dean of the Faculty of Medicine at McMaster University , John Robert Evans (1929-2015), is mentioned as a pioneer.
At this Canadian institution, this doctor and academic designed and applied a teaching strategy that aimed to help his students learn about all the factors that affect health, from biology to culture, including the environment and the economy. In this framework, he replaced master classes intended for a large number of students with the formation of small groups whose members had to investigate together based on real assumptions.
It is important to keep in mind that, until reaching PBL , the teaching methodology registered great changes. Modern educational systems emerged inspired by the Prussian model of the 18th century , where the teacher transmitted knowledge unilaterally and then carried out formative evaluation .
This trend began to change especially with the advancement of technology, which forced the acquisition of more complex and dynamic skills that transcend theoretical knowledge. Thus, strategies emerged aimed at the application of knowledge and continuous training, for example.
In the case of PBL , the novelty was that Evans involved students in the construction of knowledge through problem solving . With his approach, students had to use creativity , exercise critical thinking and work as a team to learn.
Case Western Reserve University in the United States and Universiteit Maastricht in the Netherlands were some of the study houses that, in the 1970s, adopted Evans ' idea. Little by little, ABP then expanded worldwide.
With problem-based learning, various teaching resources are used.
Characteristics of problem-based learning (PBL)
Problem-based learning, as we already mentioned and its name indicates, is developed based on an obstacle or challenge that must be resolved. The problem may be invented by the teacher, but it is always framed in a realistic context . The method promotes student autonomy, since each one has to discover what needs arise with the situation and then seek the appropriate information to reach a resolution .
With this constructivist approach, self-directed learning is favored where the learner proceeds to formulate hypotheses and directs the inquiry process. The educator, of course, is available at all times for feedback and feedback , helping in conflict resolution and providing tools for the facilitation of learning .
PBL , in short, promotes the capacity for reflection and analysis and leaves the memorization of concepts in the background. It is not oriented towards particular content, but towards the acquisition process . In this way, it promotes meaningful learning that prepares the student to face real challenges.
Problem-based learning is part of teaching strategies with active methodologies.
Problem design
The design of the problems to be addressed is a central part of a pedagogical project developed under this methodology. According to experts, it is essential that the problem in question is located in a realistic scenario and that it stimulates the student 's reasoning .
Although it should promote the search and processing of information, it is also important that it requires the student to use prior knowledge. The purpose is for the challenge to generate curiosity and for this intrinsic motivation to promote progressive learning .
Another key aspect when designing the problem is that it contemplates the combination of individual work stages with other collective ones. This need for collaboration is very valuable in training.
Examples of problem-based learning (PBL)
The problems posed by problem-based learning have different complexity depending on the educational level. In primary education, it is recommended to propose situations that are everyday or familiar to students.
Suppose a school is located in front of a park that is somewhat neglected. Students can be asked to suggest how to improve the state . Thus, children can ask themselves questions (and look for answers) linked to the plant species of the place, the infrastructure, the cleaning service, etc. That is why it is possible to approach the pedagogical proposal from various subjects in the natural sciences and social sciences.
In secondary education , an example of problem-based learning could revolve around the conservation of a city's historical heritage . What administrative or legal measures can be taken, how to combine protectionism and progress and what benefits the reservation provides are some of the possible triggers for the work.
Journalism students, for example, could be told to find three stories of interest to a media outlet on the same block . This approach requires developing research skills and communication skills to access information and then transmit it.
As can be seen, PBL always encourages active education that is based on experiential learning . Students have to achieve on their own, although with the teacher's accompaniment , the integration of knowledge and its contextualization.