Problem Based Learning

In the math methods class, we have been working on an assignment where we design unit plans with a local high school. The units are problem based, which means that a "big" problem is proposed, and the tools that are needed to solve it are the lessons to be taught subsequently. In most of these types of units (or at least ours), the students first decide what kind of information they know and need to know in order to solve the problem. I love this idea because with real-life problems we will not be told what tools we need to use or how to use them. However, there are ways to use our resources and prior knowledge to figure this out. Next, the students are guided and taught what they need to know. Students collaborate along the way and are interested in each other's thinking and ideas. Typically, what is collected at the end is a portfolio of work completed leading up to the solving of the unit problem. It has been an insightful and valuable experience to be able to plan and observe lessons for this assignment. If you are interested in learning more about PBL, check this out for strategies: http://www.studygs.net/pbl.htm