Wired to Connect: The Science of Problem-Based Learning

Arkansas Student Success Symposium 3/27/2013Donna Younger, Ed.D.

ENGAGEMENT

INTERESTED

INVOLVED

ACTIVE

COMMITTED

WE’RE COMPLICATED CREATURES

TO OTHER PEOPLE

NEW INFO TO OLD INFO

FEELINGS TO THOUGHTS

BRAIN CONNECTIONS…

WE NEED EACH OTHER TO THRIVE

THE SAME PART OF THE BRAIN IS ENGAGED WHEN WE SEE PEOPLE IN PAIN AS WHEN WE EXPERIENCE PAIN OURSELVES

ANIMALS DO THIS AS WELL….

WIRED FOR EMPATHY

MIRROR NEURONS ARE ALSO ENGAGED WHEN WE WATCH SOMEONE PERFORM AN ACTION WE HAVE ALSO PERFORMED IN THE PAST

“MIRROR” NEURONS HELP US LEARN BY CONNECTING

NEURAL PATHWAYS LEAD US TO LOOK FOR AN EXISTING “FILE” WHEN WE ENCOUNTER NEW INFORMATION OR EXPERIENCES.

AND EACH TIME WE SEARCH, WE STRENGTHEN THE PATHWAY AND ENRICH THE “FILE”

Active Learning Strategies both use and develop the natural tendency of our wiring to make and strengthen connections

Engagement Strategies That Create

Connections

Problem-Based Learning – inquiry in order to apply learning

Simulation – application of learning through problem-solving

Project-based learning – application of learning through creation

Problem-Based Learning (PBL)is a student-centered active learning approach that addresses increasing demand for individuals who can

Demonstrate technical or theoretical competence in their fields

Apply knowledge to solve problems

Identify and use resources in the field

Work on a team

Work as a reflective practitioner

PBL isn’t new…

Was introduced in medical education to close the gap between school and the practice of medicine

PBL is characterized by…

small groupsill-defined problemwhat we know vs. what we need to knowgathering and analyzing infoevaluating alternate solutionsrecommending the best for the problem

PBL is flexible for the classroom…

Single class session Team Project Course framework

PBL highlights benefits of the variety of learning preferences students represent

The nontraditional adult program at Arkansas College of the Professions has been successful for many years, relying on word-of-mouth referrals from students. With increasing competition, enrollments are suffering. The program is competence-based and encourages students to earn credit through prior learning assessment. What do you recommend to increase enrollments?

A Short Sample of PBL

What do you know ….about the problem ….about the relevant field(s)

What do you need to know?

What research needs to be done?

What hunches do you have?

Would you rather have read an article about recruiting adult students??