Problem Based Learning

Problem Based Learning

In problem based learning, students are using the knowledge that they have already gained to solve a real life scenario.

The steps in the problem based model are:

Step 1 – Introduce the problem

Step 2 – Develop a plan

Step 3 - Implement the plan

Step 4 - Evaluate

Lesson One -- Science

Step 1 – Introduce the problem: The teacher will show homes collapsing under an eroding hill.  The teacher will challenge students to work in groups to solve what is happening and how it can be fixed. The teacher will group students.

Step 2 – Develop a plan - The teacher will direct students to specific websites that show them erosion and ways to solve erosion problems.

Step 3 - Implement the plan - Students will create a plan to solve the erosion problem using google slides.

Step 4 - Evaluate - The teacher will have students blog on their experiences through the process of discovering how to solve the problem.  The teacher will create a google survey for students to assess their teammates and their own personal contribution.

Lesson Two -- Social Skills

Step 1 – Introduce the problem: The teacher will show a YouTube video of a child being bullied by other students.

Step 2 – Develop a plan - In groups, students will research ways that they can help the kid being bullied and stop bullying in their school.  They will use kid safe search sites.

Step 3 - Implement the plan - Students will create an informational video that encourages other students to not bully and how to stop being bullied.

Step 4 - Evaluate - The teacher will have students blog on their experiences through the process of discovering how to solve the problem.  The teacher will create a google survey for students to assess their teammates and their own personal contribution.

Lesson Three -- History/Social Skills

Step 1 – Introduce the problem: The teacher will show a history documentary of the troubles that Indians and Pioneers had once settling into Utah.

Step 2 – Develop a plan - In groups, students will research online documents with information to present on how Indians and Pioneers got along in the past.  Including significant figures in history that established peace. 

Step 3 - Implement the plan - Students will podcast a step-by-step guide to establishing peace between two groups of people that don't get along in the present time.

Step 4 - Evaluate - The teacher will have students podcast on their experiences through the process of discovering how to solve the problem.  The teacher will create a google survey for students to assess their teammates and their own personal contribution.