Getting Started with Problem-Based Learning

Scholarly Resources

For a little more information on the value, applicability, generalizability, and difficulties in the design of controlled experiment, see the following:

• Problem-Based Learning Meets Case-Based Reasoning in the Middle-School Science Classroom: Putting Learning by Designâ„¢ Into Practice, from Janet Kolodner, Paul Camp, David Crismond, Barbara Fasse, Jackie Gray, Jennifer Holbrook, Sadhana Puntambekar, and Mike Ryan of Georgia Tech
• Scaffolding and Achievement in Problem-Based and Inquiry Learning: A Response to Kirschner, Sweller, and Clark (2006), by Cindy Hmelo-Silver, Ravit Duncan, and Clark Chinn of Rutgers University
• Problem-Based Learning, by Woei Hung of the University of Arizona South, David Jonassen of the University of Missouri, and Rude Liu of Beijing Normal University
• When is PBL More Effective? A Meta-synthesis of Meta-analyses Comparing PBL to Conventional Classrooms, from Johannes Strobel of Purdue University and Angela van Barneveld of Concordia University
• Scaffolding Teachers’ Efforts to Implement Problem-Based Learning, from Peggy Ertmer and Krista Simons of Purdue University
• Rebecca’s in the Dark: A Comparative Study of Problem-Based Learning and Direct Instruction/Experiential Learning in Two 4th-Grade Classrooms, from Kay Drake and Deborah Long of Elon University
• A Problem Based Learning Meta Analysis: Differences Across Problem Types, Implementation Types, Disciplines, and Assessment Levels, by Andrew Walker and Heather Leary of Utah State University
• Scaffolding and Achievement in Problem-Based and Inquiry Learning: A Response to Kirschner, Sweller, and Clark (2006), by Cindy Hmelo-Silver, Ravit Duncan, and Clark Chinn of Rutgers University

For many, many more articles on Problem-Based Learning, see the Interdisciplinary Journal of Problem-Based Learning and The Challenge of Problem-Based Learning.

General Media

These sources would generally not be suitable for use in your assignments, but they may provide a useful general overview of the topic if you find yourself struggling with the more scholarly resources.

• Problem-Based Learning, from Speaking of Teaching at Stanford University
• Problem-Based Learning: An Introduction, by James Rhem of the National Teaching and Learning Forum
• Problem-Based Learning, from the Center for Educational Technologies
• Problem-Based Learning, from San Francisco State University
• Problem-Based Learning, from Wikipedia
• Why failure is crucial for a student’s success, by John Merrow of PBS
• The Problem Based Learning approach to education in The Netherlands, from Eurogates
• Springfield to use problem-based learning, by Kermit Rowe of the Springfield News-Sun
• VISTA brings problem-based approach to science learning, by Erin Zagursky of William & Mary University
• Opinion: Problem-based education; changing the model, by Sam Shames of The Tech