Problem Based Learning

Problem Based Learning isn’t something that is for people with difficulty learning.  It is more for students who don’t have difficulty learning.  It doesn’t just target a specific area or subject in school.  Problem based learning actually encompasses learning as a whole.  It works with how a student learns as well as what a student learns. These two processes incorporate together to become a new type of learning strategy. 

Problem based learning is not for everyone.  In the normal classroom setting you have a teacher and students.  With this type of learning the teacher tells students what their assignment is, when it is due and monitors their progress.  With the Problem based learning method the student is more or less the teacher.  The student is responsible for their learning and must be able to motivate him or herself as well as be a self-starter.  The student needs be organized to keep track of their daily assignments.  They are not totally on their own however.  It’s not like. Ok here are your books now go learn and you figure out how you are going to learn it.  Problem based learning is more of a team approach.  The student works with the teacher or others to develop a learning plan that will help him accomplish what his goals are.

Studies have shown that students who learn this way score just as high on standardized tests as those students who have learned in the traditional classroom.  If you have a child who is a self starter, tends to look at the world differently and feels like he/she is being held back in the traditional school classroom maybe a style like problem based learning is an option.  Not all schools offer this I’m afraid but ask the school guidance counselor or resource teacher anyway.  If the school doesn’t readily offer it maybe you can get a program started.