DSSEP Home Page Problem-Based
Learning (PBL)
Steps:

1. Select a problem (e.g. conflict in the Middle East).

 

2. Discuss problem solving strategies.

 

3. Introduce the problem to the students.

 

4. Have students clarify the problem (restate it).

 

5. Assign students to "stakeholder groups" or roles (e.g. Israelis, Palestinians, Americans, Saudis) to develop solutions or positions.

 

6. Move students to jigsaw groups comprised of every role (i.e. Israelis, Palestinians, Americans, Saudis) to try to reach an agreement or a solution to the problem.

 

7. Debrief.

Recommended Reading: Problems as Possibilities: Problem-Based Learning for K-12 Education by Linda Tropp and Sara Sage. Published by the Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development, 1998.

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