The Problem Solving Approach

Weekly Writing #7 

Our main goal as educators is to make sure that learning has occured in each and every student, in each of the classes we have taught, and each and everyday. It is important that we set higher level of thinking standards for our students by using Problem-Based Learning (PBL). As many of you may know Problem-Based Learning is a teaching strategy that includes problem solving, inquiry learning, project-based learning, and case studies. This makes the student dig deep into their thinking and sets that standard of learning being taken placed. The goals of  the PBL method is to develop students ability to solve problems, create self-directed learners, and facilitate the acquisition of new knowledge. It is important that we understand what PBL is and what the outcome of implementing this into your program will be. PBL is a great learning method for students because new learning is occurring. As well as using their prior knowledge to figure the problem out. 

Now that we know about PBL we need to implement this into our program by Problem-Based Teaching (PBT). PBT sets the goal of education: to develop independent-minded, self-directed citizens who can effectively solve problems in a highly complex social environment, into action by using problem solving. I will implement this into my program by confronting my students with a current issue in agriculture. They will identify the problem and investigate a strategy that  they would do if they were in a similar position. With students using this method of learning they will be able to retain what they learned longer and transfer the learning when other scenarios are presented to them later on down the road.

However we need to make sure that we implement this method of teaching and learning correctly. So engaging the students by giving them a current issue in agriculture gets their minds turning. We need to make sure that they we provide opportunities for them to apply what they have learned in many different contexts. As well as always creating the learning environment similar to the real world. Also when students repeat something enough it gets engrained in their minds so they won't forget it. So by repeating everything they begin to get a mastered skill and eventually the performance will become automatic to them, and along the way continuing to make those connections between previous experiences and current opportunities to keep their thinking skills in check. Doing this process in the classroom could only lead to student success.

Link:  Check this video out! Great Inspiration to implement Problem-Based Learning!