Thursday, March 23, 2017

Chapter 4 - Problem-based Learning and Project-based Learning


            It is very helpful in teaching – learning method that students learn about a subject through the experience of solving an open ended problem. Through Problem – Based learning, students will be challenged to engage themselves in a real life problem and of course with the help of the teacher. Problem-based learning uses problem-solving model. Just like in a research project, problem-based learning has also steps to be followed in solving. By using PBL as an approach in learning, it stimulates the student’s critical reasoning, promotes self-directed learning, stimulates collaboration, and promotes teamwork. In working on a Problem-based learning there are some reminders to be remembered. When the teacher formulates a problem, it should be designed in such a way that there are more possible solutions to the problem. The solution should not stick to one. Another one is that, the problem should be real-world scenario. In solving a problem it should not be taken for granted. As a teacher, in giving problem, you must consider your learners. The students are the ones who are solving the problem because of that, the problem must be relevant and developmentally appropriate to tem. It would be a great help for them. Students should be aware about the guidelines. They should know how are they rated and the date of completion. The task of a teacher in PBL is the facilitator. He/she guides the students on what should be done. Of course, working on PBL takes time. The teacher should give the students enough time to solve the problem successfully.
            Project-based learning focuses on production model. From the definition itself, it pertains to the project which involves a complex task that results to an actual product. The same as problem-based learning, project-based learning follows a method in solving. According to Thomas Markham, PrBL integrates knowing and doing. This means that what the students learned will be applied. In order to make the Project-based learning successful, there are some necessary reminders. First one is, students should be given sufficient time to work on and present their projects. Next is, encourage the students to employ creative and interesting ways on presenting to catch the audience’s attention.
            Problem-based learning and Project-based learning are both constructivist approach to learning. They are learner-centered, experiential, inquiry-based, and geared towards “real-world” tasks. These two approaches let the teacher as a facilitator of learning and students generally work in cooperative groups. As the students work with each problem, they can develop their reasoning and analytical problem-solving skills. They can also apply the knowledge they have learned to problem.
            According to John Dewey, “True learning is based on discovery...rather than the transmission of knowledge.” I agree with him because based on my own experience, I learn a lot through my daily experiences. I learn most through exploring, discovering, and observing. Using problem-learning and project-based learning in my teaching profession will surely help me in the near future. As a future teacher I can use PBL and PrBL in teaching. Through problem-based learning my students will be challenged to learn through engaging their selves in a real problem. My students will learn about a subject through the experience of solving an open-ended problem. In project-based learning approach, students will be engaged into a more complex task that results to an actual product. My students will be given the chance to solve a problem and come up with a project or product which is a solution. As a facilitator of learning, PBL and PrBL approaches helps me to let my students work in a participative and cooperative way.

            Project-based learning and problem-based learning are two constructivist approaches that help the students to learn through experience. As what the saying says “Experience is the best teacher.” Indeed it is a great learning.

No comments:

Post a Comment