The Recipe {Problem Based Learning}

There is no set recipe in delivering successful Problem Based Learning (PBL). There are, however, correct ingredients that make PBL a successful teaching strategy. 

Successful Ingredients

5 Cups of the Problem Solving Process

       1. Recognizing and defining the problem

       2. Clarifying the problem

       3. Identifying possible solutions 

       4. Testing a solution or plan

       5. Evaluating the results 

1/6 TB of Reflection

       Dewey added a 6th step to the MODERN DAY 5-Step Problem Solving Process: Evaluating the results

1/4 T of a Driving Question

     - Proactive

     - Complex

     - Open-ended

     - Linked to what students should be learning

2 Eggs of Voice and Choice

Voice: Let PBL be something that students are interested in 

Choice: How are the projects presented at the end? What are the teams? Let students have choice in their learning process! 

There are other ingredients that can be taken away or added into this recipe, but it depends on the audience you are serving. The above ingredients though are the base ingredients needed to start mixing. 

Why use PBL as a Teaching Strategy?

1. Develop students ability to solve problems

2. Create self-directed learners

3. Facilitate the acquisition of new knowledge

Connections

STEM

When researching PBL, a lot of engineering problem solving models arise and my thoughts immediately go to STEM and how PBL can be an effective way to implement STEM into an agricultural program. One of the 8 Essentials for Project-Based Learning is to have Significant Content, which in short means, aligning the PBL with academic standards. Incorporating science, math, and English language can all be accomplished through PBL, which allows students the opportunity to learn and utilize their knowledge of multiple subjects as well as makes administration smile. 

National #TeachAgChat Twitter Chat

Looking forward to this week, our cohort starts the first ever #TeachAgChat and my group has the opportunity to facilitate the topic of Careers in Agriculture. Our goal is to bring together educators and industry personnel to share what is currently being done in schools to prepare students for agricultural careers and what opportunities and need industry has for students. In learning about PBL, I want to utilize the Twitter Chat to hear about the PBL that is occurring in agricultural programs as well as the what industry finds beneficial for students to learn and how educators can incorporate their suggestions as a PBL.

Let's Share Infographics

I am a huge fan of infographics and I found one of Pinterest that was shared in another blog. The infographic was to large to share on this blog so click the link below to see how this infographic lays out the steps of problem solving: Problem Based Learning: Solving World Problems

If anyone has a PBL or problem solving infographic or poster they use and has been effective for them please share the link or picture in the comments section! I am looking for one to hang in a classroom.