Introduction to problem-based learning

Thinking and writing about 'collaboration'

Getting into groups

Choosing your problem from a list given by the teacher

Set up a shared PBL Folder (the teacher will help you with this).

Thinking and sharing what your group already knows about the problem.

Doing a little background research into the problem and how to describe it.

GROUP ASSIGNMENT 1 - The Background

• Write paragraphs together in a single document answering questions about what your problem is about (the teacher will give you the questions).

• Submit the document to your shared PBL Folder for grading (1% of your final course grade).

GROUP ASSIGNMENT 2 - The Survey

• Write 5 - 8 questions to ask people about your problem.

• Check your questions with the teacher.

• Create a survey.

• Distribute your survey.

• Collect responses.

• Add both the survey and responses to your shared PBL Folder for grading (1% of your final course grade).

Review your information from Assignments 1 and 2 about the problem.

As a group think of about 4 or 5 Research Questions about different solutions and check these with the teacher.

ASSIGNMENT 3 - THE RESEARCH PROPOSAL

• Together as a group write a document describing the problem, what you learnt from the Survey and what your plans are to find solutions.

• Submit this for feedback from your teacher.

• Make corrections and improvements.

• Put the information into a Presentation Slideshow (about 5 - 8 slides).

• Submit this to your PBL folder.

• Present or share your Research Proposal to the whole class. The marks are out of 100 with an individual mark (70) and a group mark (30). This is 7.5 % of your final course grade.

REFLECTION 1

• Individually write several paragraphs answering questions about the presentation and how your group work is going.

• Submit this to the teacher. Marks are out of 25. This will be 2.5% of your final course grade.

Find reliable sources for information about solutions.

Annotate and make notes from your sources.

Submit your notes to your shared PBL Folder.

ASSIGNMENT 4 - THE INTERVIEW

• Write 5 - 8 questions about solutions to ask an 'expert'. Contact and interview them.

• Record their answers.

• Submit questions and answers to your shared PBL Folder for grading (This will be 1% of your final course grade).

ASSIGNMENT 5 - THE SUMMARY

• Individually take a set of notes from two sources and write a summary.

• Submit this for grading (This will be 1% of your final course grade).

As a group review all your research notes and choose 4 solutions that answer your research questions. Then choose the best overall solution.

Together, write the sections needed for a scientific poster.

Submit a draft of your text for feedback.

Design and create your scientific poster.

Print or share your poster. Be prepared to answer questions about your findings. The marks are out of 100 with an individual mark (20) and a group mark (80). This is 7.5 % of your final course grade.

REFLECTION 2

• Individually write paragraphs answering questions about your research and poster presentation (this is 2.5% of your final course grade).