PROBLEM BASED LEARNING

Now that we have discussed creativity, and critical thinking, what happens if we mix up a bit of creativity, add a dash of innovation and sprinkle some critical thinking to it? Sounds good, right?

A student who follows this recipe will be well-rounded, engaged, and prepared to take on life outside of the classroom. It is known as problem-based learning (PBL), and obviously, it encourages continuous learning.

This kind of instruction pushes students to develop a well-reasoned response to a real-world problem. They can use internet resources, knowledge they've already learned, and probing questions to generate ideas and deliver sound solutions. Although there may not be a single correct response, unlike traditional learning, the process encourages young minds to remain active and think for themselves.

Imagine a teacher-centred classroom scenario. A Math class is going on.

"Okay, class, so this is what we refer to as a quadratic equation," the teacher says. "We now need to find x. Have you got any questions?"

Let's now investigate a few thoughts that might pop up in everybody's mind.

Teacher: The students are welcome to offer questions, but none of them have anything to ask.

S1: My goodness! this class is way too dull.

S2: If I close my eyes, do you think the teacher will notice me?

S3: I'm unsure of the relevance of this topic at all.

Now, how do you think about this class? Do you think there is something lacking in this session? Do you have the opinion that there is a possibility the content taught by the teacher might not reach the students?

If so, why do you believe this classroom situation failed? Do you believe the lesson was interesting? Participation from the students- is it active? Do you even believe that the pupils are interested in what they are learning?

While we educators are aware of the significance of what we are teaching, the students may not always be conscious of this. You, the educators, are responsible for instructing students on both the what and the why of their actions.

How do we persuade the pupils that what they are learning will be beneficial to them? How can we encourage students to think creatively about problems?

Let's think about the conventional teaching method.

1. The students are informed of the subject matter they must learn.

2. They then memorize it without exception.

3. To demonstrate how students use it, problems are given.

Regarding PBL,

1. Students are initially given a task to solve.

2. Students determine what they must know.

3. The students acquire knowledge and use it to address the issue.

PBL encourages students to build problem-solving abilities and understand concepts rather than just memorizing information by using complicated, real-world challenges as the subject matter in the classroom.

There are numerous ways in which this might manifest itself. In the midst of their classmates, students might work individually or in groups to conceptualize, create, and introduce their ground-breaking innovation. It has been demonstrated that this method aids pupils in improving their problem-solving, communication, and critical thinking skills.

Firstly, PBL challenges the students to comprehend course contents to a deeper level. It creates awareness among the students and pressurizes them to come to judgements that they can stand by. Also, it clearly ties current course objectives to information they received from earlier courses and encourages the pupils to collaborate in groups and to address the current complicated problem. Here, pupils get involved in a sophiscated problem-solving process.

Let me now discuss the benefits of Problem-Based, Student-Led Learning.

One of the most empowering methods to place students at the centre of their own educational experience is through student-led learning. It challenges pupils to be original, imaginative, rational, and open-minded. It also provides chances for active, hands-on collaboration with others.

Some benefits of problem-based learning are:

1. Encourage self-learning: Problem-based learning, which is centred on the needs of the student, encourages children to take charge of their own education. They acquire abilities that will help them as adults as they are encouraged to use their imagination and research skills.

2. Highly engaging: Problem-based learning puts students in the driver's seat rather than having them sit back, listen, and take notes. To solve issues, they must be vigilant, use critical thinking, and think creatively.

3. Develop transferrable skills: Students' abilities don't just apply to one subject or classroom. They can be used in a variety of academic disciplines as well as in real-world situations, such as taking charge and problem-solving.

4. Develop cooperation skills, students often cooperate with classmates on problem-based learning projects to find a solution. Students s are put to the test as they develop teamwork, communication, compromise, and listening skills.

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In problem-based learning (PBL), students learn about a subject by collaborating in groups to find a solution to a problem. A well-planned PBL assignment gives students the chance to hone their teamwork and collaboration abilities.

It oversees initiatives and exercises leadership. It enhances the written and verbal communication of the students, as they work on their own. Their critical analysis and thought flow are increased, while they clarify some of their ideas arisen during their activities. They learn independently and improve their problem-solving abilities to a great extent.

The problem is provided first rather than pertinent content being taught and then having students use the knowledge to solve difficulties. Since PBL is frequently group-oriented, it is advantageous to set aside class time to help students get ready to work in groups and to participate in their PBL project.

In general, students must:

• Analyze and define the issue.

• Examine what they already know regarding the underlying problems associated with it.

• Decide what they need to learn and where they may find the knowledge and resources they need to solve the issue.

• Consider several solutions to the issue.

Now, how to Begin with PBL in your classroom?

Suppose you wanted to assign a project work to your students. Firstly, clearly state the project's learning objectives. Like, what do you hope that the task you have given will teach the pupils or enable them to do?

Then, construct a dilemma that represents a situation that students might face in their future careers or personal life. Encourage them to work in team, and set ground rules right away to get the students ready for productive group work. Don't forget to explain the group procedures to the students and give them some warm-up tasks so they can practice evaluating both their own work and that of their peers. Take into account assigning duties to the students or letting them split up the task. As teacher, you can decide how you will examine and evaluate the assignment.