Module 1 - Planning the Problem

Engaging learners is one of the key priorities of PBL. A deep emotional hook set into the learner will enable them to generate the motivation needed to stick with a problem, even when it appears insurmountable. In this part, we will take a look at where we're going, then how to start with engagement first.

As problem-based learning designers, we need to know how to navigate the process of designing, facilitating PBL lessons. Below is an overview--with examples--of what this looks like. Note that you will be responsible for part of this activity.

Once you are aware of the Problem-Based Learning approach, you will begin to find problems everywhere. Driving into work, you'll hear about one on the radio. It can be a local, regional or national problem. There are many possibilities.

When creating your problem, follow these steps:

1) Create a Map of Possibilities. Map out your problem...these are questions about the problem you want to see students answered. For example, the problem below is Immigration. Surrounding immigration there are questions that might lend themselves as a way to introducing curriculum content. Those are the ones we will focus on identifying in the next step. For now, we simply want to create a "map of possibilities."

In this map (shown below), we might choose to rule out areas that are TOO controversial to be explored within the context of our class. After all, we don't want to be terminated. Our focus is to find questions that will align to our curriculum standards.

2) Create a Curriculum Map. In this step, we connect curriculum to your map. What curriculum standards/objectives do you want to connect to specific questions. Questions that don't lead to curriculum objectives can be identified as areas to cut out. This is called "Curriculum Map"

As a group, accomplish the following:

1) Use the forum to discuss what your problem topic will be and then

2) Create the map of possibilities and curriculum map--together--that you will be using to write the problem narrative.

Note: If for some reason the MindMap activity isn't working, you can also take advantage of other web-based mindmapping tools:

Do this by following these steps:

1. Register for a free account using Bubbl.us
2. Use Bubbl.us to create a "map of possibilities. View this example.