Educational research on problem based approaches
Project-based learning, problem-based learning, and inquiry-based learning all relate to the information processing approach. In all these methods the focus is on the learning experience. In each case, activities are used to facilitate learning. Such problem based approaches are used to analyze a project, to organize ideas, search for current information, or present ideas. These learning environments focus a student's engagement around solving a problem or addressing an issue they find meaningful. These three approaches to learning are outlined below:
Project-based Learning focuses on developing a product or creation. The project may or may not be student-centered, problem-based, or inquiry-based. There are forty years of accumulated evidence that the instructional strategies and procedures of standards-focused Project Based Learning are effective in building deep content understanding, raising academic achievement and motivating learners.
Research studies have demonstrated that problem based learning can be be more effective than traditional instruction in:
Problem-based learning (PBL) is a student-centered pedagogy in which students learn about a subject through the experience of problem solving. Students learn both thinking strategies and domain knowledge. The PBL format originated from the medical school of thought, and is now used in other schools of thought too. The goals of PBL are to help the students develop flexible knowledge, effective problem solving skills, self-directed learning, effective collaboration skills and intrinsic motivation. Problem-based learning is a style of active learning.
Several studies support the success of the constructivist problem-based and inquiry learning methods. One example is a study on a project called GenScope, an inquiry-based science software application, which found that students using the GenScope software showed significant gains over the control groups, with the largest gains shown in students from basic courses.
Project-based Learning focuses on developing a product or creation. The project may or may not be student-centered, problem-based, or inquiry-based. There are forty years of accumulated evidence that the instructional strategies and procedures of standards-focused Project Based Learning are effective in building deep content understanding, raising academic achievement and motivating learners.
Research studies have demonstrated that problem based learning can be be more effective than traditional instruction in:
- increasing academic achievement on annual state-administered assessment tests
- teaching mathematics, economics, science, social science, clinical medical skills and skills for careers in the allied health occupations and teaching
- long-term knowledge retention, skill development and satisfaction of students and teachers
- preparing students to integrate and explain concepts.
- improve students’ mastery of 21st-century skills
- be especially effective with lower-achieving students
- provide an effective model for whole school reform.
Problem-based learning (PBL) is a student-centered pedagogy in which students learn about a subject through the experience of problem solving. Students learn both thinking strategies and domain knowledge. The PBL format originated from the medical school of thought, and is now used in other schools of thought too. The goals of PBL are to help the students develop flexible knowledge, effective problem solving skills, self-directed learning, effective collaboration skills and intrinsic motivation. Problem-based learning is a style of active learning.
Several studies support the success of the constructivist problem-based and inquiry learning methods. One example is a study on a project called GenScope, an inquiry-based science software application, which found that students using the GenScope software showed significant gains over the control groups, with the largest gains shown in students from basic courses.