Problem-Based Learning

Problem-Based Learning (PBL) is a faculty training series intended to transform a traditional course into an active-learning one.

Problem-Based Learning starts with an ill-defined, open-ended problem that challenges students to work in teams to solve real-world, authentic problems.

A scenario provides a context for learning the concepts required. Students are assigned a role in which they "work" in the PBL scenario on deliverables assigned by their "manager".

Students and the instructor use the vocabulary of their target profession and communicate their solutions to stakeholders.  PBL scenarios are designed with industry input for authenticity. Students are encouraged to develop 21st Century Skills as they work on teams, meet deadlines, solve problems, think critically, and communicate with each other and their "manager" in their scenario. 

Work done in these workshops are part of a larger project supported by the National Science Foundation under ATE Grant # DUE 0302894, 0603297 & 0903275 and Carl Perkins Grant Strategy #4 2010-11.

Developed scenarios and On-going scenarios are available as samples.

Visit our Problem-Based Learning Community with resources and a community for faculty who are interested and/or engaged in the use of PBL in their classrooms

PBL is one track in our annual Pacific Region Learning Summit, summer institute.