Strategies for Integrating Problem-based Learning Successfully in

YOUR courses

Plan

Facilitating effective group workWriting a good problem for YOUR

course

Working in GroupsWhen it’s good… When it’s bad…

The Keys to Successful CLASS Group Work…Interdependence

Accountability

Weekly in-class group work

Group grades and individual grades

Firing option!

Group Dynamics . . . Peer EvaluationsSelf EvaluationsInstructor Evaluations

Ethical and Effective Group Participation…Be committed to the group goalStay on TaskComplete Individual AssignmentsAvoid Interpersonal ConflictsEncourage Participation

Managing Conflict

Paraphrasing“What I hear you saying is…”

Coping with CriticismAgree with the truth. (“You’re right. I am

angry.” “Yes, I suppose I was being sarcastic.”)Agree with the critic’s perception. (“I can

understand why you might think that. What I meant was..”)

Developing a Code of Ethics

Group ContractPeer Critiques/Evaluations

Accountability/Consequences

Let’s Write a problem!1. Course2. Goal and

Rationale3. Learning

Objectives

PBL Problem-Writing StepsStep 1: Choose a central idea, concept, or

principle.Step 2: A real-world context Step 3: Stage the problem (Story?

Questions?)Step 4: Write a lesson plan (≠ lecture notes).Step 5: Identify starting place resources for

students.Step 6: How will you assess it?

Links to Helpful Resources

University of Delaware PBL Resources: http://www.udel.edu/pbl/index.jsp

International PBL Symposium, 2010. February 8-12, Sao Paulo Brazil http://each.uspnet.usp.br/pbl2010/index_en.htm

Center for Case Studies in Engineering, Carleton University http://www.civeng.carleton.ca/ECL/cat-f93.html

PBL in Biology. http://www.saltspring.com/capewest/pbl.htm IMSA PBL Network: Collaborative Inquiry in Action

http://pbln.imsa.edu/

Remember . . .There’s nothing wrong with baby

steps . . .They’re still steps!

Deanna.Sellnow@uky.edu