AQCP Problem-Based Learning

PBL Guidelines:
The following are suggestions to teachers for successful facilitation of student learning using the PBL process. The list is far from complete - you'll discover more as you become skilled at utilizing this format. REMEMBER - Be a PAL!

PAL: Patience Assistance Learning
Patience:

• Don't rush the students; allow them time to reflect and discover.
• Don't give them too much information to start; this implies that there is only 1 "right" answer.
• Don't push the students by being too authoritative.
• Don't intervene too soon or too often; you'll make them all the more dependent on you.
• Allow the students to make mistakes; powerful learning can occur from this.

Assistance:

• Keep notes for yourself on your observations of the groups' work.
• Help students discover ways to correct mistakes.
• Provide encouragement.
• Encourage creativity and divergent thinking.
• Do use open-ended questions, such as:
  • Is that a learning issue?
  • What does that have to do with the problem?
  • How do you know that?
  • Where are you stuck?
  • Does everyone agree with that statement?
  • Can someone summarize for me where you are right now?
  • What can you agree on to do next?

Learning:

• Join in as a part of the learning community with your students.
• Show your excitement and joy in discovery along with the students.
• Don't worry - your students ARE learning content and developing into effective thinkers and collaborators.

• Back to Problem-Based Learning

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Environmental Education Outreach Program (EEOP)
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PO Box 5768
Flagstaff, AZ 86011-5768
Phone: (928) 523-1275
Fax: (928) 523-1280
E-mail: eeop@nau.edu

Last updated: May 26, 2005