Explore the section on Definitions of Problem Based Learning, then complete the exercises below. When you have completed your work, post it to your instructor by email or however you are communicating.

1. What elements are the same among the different definitions? Describe the similarities. What are the differences and are any of them important?

2. On the Internet, find another definition of PBL and see if it matches these (Use a Search Engine). Do other countries have different ideas about what PBL might be?

3. Write out your own definition of PBL based on the definitions you have seen. Does your definition cover all possible forms of PBL?

4. If you are working within a class on this module, compare your definition to those developed by other students. Why is yours better? Do you need to make changes to your definition? Write an explanation of why your definition is full, complete, and exact.

Examine the Descriptions of Problem Based Learning, then complete the exercise below. When you have completed your work, post it to your instructor by email or however you are communicating.

1. On the Internet, find descriptions of the Scientific Method (Use a Search Engine). What are its components?

2. Project Based Learning is similar to Problem Based Learning and relies on the Scientific Method for its underlying structure. How is Project Based Learning less open ended than Problem Based Learning? Why is one more of a "discovery" model and the other an "inquiry" model?

3. Outline and explain the steps of the three processes.

4. How is the Scientific Method similar to the Problem Based Learning? How is it different?

If PBL can be described as "student-centered, problem-based, inquiry-based, integrated, collaborative, reiterative, learning," could curricula be evaluated for their potential to provide PBL experiences? Peruse the Essentials of Problem Based Learning, then develop a list of criteria for evaluating curricula.When you have completed your work, post it to your instructor by email or however you are communicating.

1. How can the Essentials be converted into criteria for an evaluation matrix commonly called a "rubric"?

2. Consult some sites on the Internet that support rubrics and construct one (a matrix) of your own for evaluating curricula in relation to PBL.

3. Write an explanation of how you selected the elements of your matrix and how you would use it to rate curricula for teaching the skills of problem solving and decision making.

The Illinois Math and Science Academy is one of the main sites in the United States that supports the Problem Based Learning Model. After mastering the steps to developing a PBL module as outlined by IMSA, create a mulimedia presentation explaining the process.

1. Read through and summarize the steps to selecting and developing a problem situation.

2. Find materials on the Internet to illustrate the procedure that a teacher would follow to formulate a suitable "mess" that could be focused into a problem solving situation. Use these audio and video files to illuminate your presentation. There are many applications that allow you to develop a slideshow or presentation. The most common is PowerPoint, but there are others for all operating systems.

3. Post your presentation online (if you have a Web site) or to the Blackboard site for your class so that the other students in the class can view it.

PBL is being used at universities all over the world to teach critical thinking, problem solving, and decision making. It also provides a vehicle for the construction of a meaningful framework of content knowledge. The mastery of content knowledge and thinking processes both are necessary for the development of an educated individual. The demonstration of that mastery is evident in the product of a PBL lesson.

1. Distinguish among the different purposes of the PBL models being used at various universities. How does the structure of the discipline being taught determine how the problems are identified and presented? Has the origin of the PBL model influenced where and how it is being used? Why has the model not been adopted more widely in American universities? When you have completed your work, post it to your instructor by email or however you are communicating.

2. Complete two problems and post your solutions.

3. Register for the PBL Clearinghouse and explore its resources.

1. Look at the resources that are available for teachers on the California SCORE site.

2. Take the tutorial from the Module Maker.

3. Find a lesson you can modify.

4. Develop your own lesson and post it.

5. The PBL project at Samford University has developed a Portfolio site for instructors using Problem Based Learning. You can use the template for PBL courses and you can register at the Portfolio Center for help constructing your own portfolio of PBL lessons. You can use the template for your PBL lesson.