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Problem-Based
Learning
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Nancy
Carr |
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Department
of Management and Marketing |
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“Active
Learning” is any type learning experience that actively involves the student
in the learning process. For many
years, the mainstay of business schools has been the case method but now many
teaching techniques are used and most can be adapted to other subjects and
used throughout colleges and universities. |
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To
do justice to the tried- and- true case method and the new cases which are
high on global and ethical issues, it must be noted that many fine cases
exist in print, video, and DVD. Cases
are situations that put the student in a problem-solving position. While some cases have questions following
them, cases for more advanced courses usually just give the situation since
in the real world problems must be identified. While used extensively in business schools,
cases can be used in many areas of medical and legal education and any area
requiring problem-solving whether the subject matter is a car, recipe,
computer, design, etc. Some cases have
a narrow focus and others integrate whole courses or programs. Students tend to like cases which run
throughout the course and I have been urged to continue the eight part video
case on starting and running a chain of bagel restaurants which I use in my
business courses. |
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Priorities
Simulations, In-Basket Simulations, and Decision-making Simulations also
actively involve students in learning to solve problems. In Priorities Simulations, students receive
a list of problems to handle and must decide the order in which items should
be done. Sometimes a time is set for
each activity and sometimes the student is not given time constraints. Sometimes the student must decide on
communication methods and whether to delegate duties. Priorities Simulations work well in
developing time management and communication skills whether for a medical
emergency, police station, not-for-profit organization, school, business,
government office, etc. In-Basket
Simulations place the student in a position to solve problems arriving by
phone, fax, e-mail, or face-to-face meetings.
In-Baskets can be developed in written format or go high tech. Based on the number and complexity of items
in the In-Basket, these simulations can be adapted to desired timeframes and
material coverage. In-Baskets can also
be used for course and program recruitment by asking students which of the
problems he or she would be most interested in solving. Problem-solving skills can also be
developed using Decision-making Simulations.
Decision-making Simulations can be created in many formats to use
decision-making models to decide who gets the scholarship, who is pushed off
the lifeboat, or who is hired or fired.
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Learning
should be fun. Students enjoy wordsearch and crossword puzzles. Incorporate them in courses, but remember
that while wordsearch puzzles are easy to make, it
is better to locate crossword puzzles created by professionals. Everyone likes to be asked for an opinion,
so questionnaires are usually well-liked.
Questionnaires can be used to detect preferred learning styles,
identify career interests, locate problems, evaluate solutions etc. |
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Let
us not forget that lectures are still good for teaching many subjects. With lectures lots of material can be covered
in a short time, note-taking and organization is active learning, and
Question/ Answer and Classroom Discussion Sessions are interactive. Lectures
are enhanced when interspersed with small groups with a student leader
solving a problem by applying lecture material. “Active Learning” will add fun and increase
learning in most classes! |
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Additional
Resources
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