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What is PBL?
What is PBL?
Problem-Based Learning is a strategy that can be used in any academic classroom that integrates problem-solving activities and allows students to think critically and use their own ideas to solve problems. Problem-Based Learning is most common in mathematics classrooms and is an important teaching method to allow students to be more engaged in their learning.
For example, in a Calculus class, students read the assignment, figured what the assignment was asking them to do, used a graphing software to visualize the function, came up with a conclusion, and asked the teacher for any misunderstandings.
This can be applied in the classroom by allowing students to use graphing calculators/softwares to visualize functions and graphs.
PBL in Math Classrooms
PBL in Math Classrooms
Instead of a normal teaching style of a teacher standing and giving a lecture, in a problem-based learning classroom, the students are the ones to learn and come up with a solution by themselves through real-life situations. Some benefits of problem-based learning are it motivates students to work with others, be more open-minded, requires reasoning, improves critical thinking skills, promotes communication and collaboration, and builds a deeper understanding of the topic.
For example, in a middle school math classroom, students are given a grocery store circular and budget. They are preparing food for a soup kitchen and must buy as much food as they can with the money while also buying food from all food groups.
This can be applied in the classroom by giving students a real-life example and have them work with other students to try and come up with a solution.
Illustrative Math in the Classroom
Illustrative Math in the Classroom
Mathematics is for everyone and anyone is able to do math. Persevering math will result in understanding and success. Students should also understand the concept and background of math, be able to solve problems with accuracy and speed, and be able to apply those methods to real life situations. It is also important for teachers to understand what the students need to know, how they learn, and their proficiency in math. Students learn best when they solve problems and also when they are able to do it hands-on.
For example, split the lesson into four parts. The warm-up, where students get ready for the lesson that day, the classroom activities that allow students to work together and solve problems on their own, lesson synthesis where students reflect on what they learned, and the cool-down where students independently solve problems.
This can be applied in the classroom by giving students classroom activities and give them plenty of time to solve problems with their classmates. This should also take up the majority of the class time.
Why PBL in Math Classrooms is Important
Why PBL in Math Classrooms is Important
It is important in problem-based learning classrooms that teachers are not there to give answers but to guide students to learn, solve, and come to a conclusion themselves. Teachers need to have a deep understanding of math and be able to engage their students in the classroom, in solving problems, and applying what they learned in real-life situations. By using problem-based learning in math classrooms, students will be able to communicate with other students, use critical thinking and reasoning skills, and reflect on their conclusions.
For example, given a question, start by asking yourself where do you begin, what information are you given, and what do you need to solve. This allows students to think about what the question is asking, understand the question, and understand what they are looking for.
This can be applied in the classroom by having students ask themselves those starter questions to make sure they understand what the question is asking and what they need to do.
PBL Strategies in Middle School Math Classrooms
PBL Strategies in Middle School Math Classrooms
Five strategies to incorporate problem-based learning in mathematics classrooms are addressing math myths, start smart, consider tasks vs. projects, leverage effective strategies, and build confidence.
In addressing math myths, have students solve problems and then explain how they solved them. It allows students to talk with one another and realize that there are more than one correct way to solve a problem. In the start smart strategy, teachers can find projects that are relevant that allow students to connect math to real-life situations. In the consider tasks vs. projects strategy, give small projects or tasks that won’t take up too much time but will also allow students to use critical thinking and reasoning skills. In the leverage effective strategies strategy, teachers can have students work in teams and write reflections on what they learned. In the build confidence strategy, students can find their strengths and strategies to do better next time and be successful.
This can be applied in the classroom by having students find their strengths and weaknesses, work together, reflect on what they learned so they understand what they did and so they can improve in the future.
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