What do students get from PBL

Ever wonder what goes on when you teach using PBL? Well, here's a video on what students gain from PBL.

Stimulating Physics - Problem Based Learning (University of Leicester)

Institute of Physics in University of Leicester UK uses Problem Based Learning in their physics courses. They take real life problem and tackle them like how real scientists tackle these kind of problems. View the video below and learn how PBL can be used in your class.

Problem Based Learning 8th August 2007

Before I attended Republic Polytechnic's 3 day PBL Workshop at the end of 2007, I participated as a Discussion Leader in Taylor's College Problem Based Learning Forum. Looking back at how I carried out my PBL chemistry lesson, it wasn't that far off. Now I am able to carry out PBL better. Here's the power point slide I used in my discussion. Hopefully it can inspire you to try out PBL.

Cooperative Learning

Cooperative Learning is one type of Student-Centered Learning which is based on Lev Vygotsky's Social Cognition theory. Students work in small groups to discover and learn together while at the same time, improving on communication and learning ability. The video below is self-explanatory. View it and think about it. Next, as educators and teachers, ask yourself this question, "Have I educated my students or have I just merely impart knowledge with little regards to whether they understand or they don't". Cooperative Learning is one proven way to get better results. Happy viewing!

What is Problem Based Learning or PBL?

Problem Based Learning is one of the many Student-Centered Learning methods mostly used in Medicine and Engineering Faculties in Universities. It is a proven method in teaching future doctors and engineers to become good problem solvers in their respective fields. After McMaster University pioneered PBL, the rest of the world in all educational related fields followed suit. PBL uses cooperative or collaborative learning. The problems given to the students are real.

Republic Polytechnic in Singapore has adopted PBL in all its courses. I had the priviliged to attend a 3 day workshop conducted by 2 of the Polytechnic's PBL Instructors at Taylor's Business School. It was an eye opener. Before attending the PBL workshop I was gropping in the dark but after the workshop, I am now able to carry out PBL in my chemistry classroom using the Polytechnic as a guide.

Here's a video I found on You Tube on Republic Polytechnic's PBL. PBL works!