As educators and parents, we’re constantly looking for effective and engaging ways to help students learn. One powerful teaching technique is problem-based learning (PBL). By emphasizing active learning, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills, PBL provides students with valuable tools for success. In this blog post, we’ll dive into the advantages of PBL and how it can be applied in both traditional classrooms and homeschooling environments.

What is Problem-Based Learning?

In PBL, students are presented with real-world problems or scenarios and asked to work collaboratively to solve them. PBL emphasizes the process of problem solving, rather than just the end result. Students are encouraged to ask questions, explore different perspectives, and apply what they’ve learned to create innovative solutions.

What does a PBL lesson plan look like?

Every PBL unit tasks students with solving a real-world problem, from saving an endangered species to deciding an important court case as district court judges. A typical PBL unit consists of two parts: a Teacher Manual and a student Problem Log. 

The Teacher Manual gives detailed instructions on how to implement the unit, as well as guidance on how to conduct the project, help students develop problem-solving skills, and encourage them to consider all sides of a situation. The Problem Log is where students find necessary materials to conduct their research and record their work. Some units also have a Resource Book with primary resources and supplemental materials (such as photos) for instructors to download, print, and distribute to students. Units that don’t have Resource Books offer suggestions for websites where both instructors and students can find supplemental information; these suggestions are listed in the Teacher Manual.

What are the benefits of PBL?

1. Active Learning: PBL engages students in active learning so they’re more involved in the learning process. Students take ownership of their learning and are responsible for their own learning outcomes.
2. Collaboration: PBL encourages collaboration and teamwork. Students work in groups to solve problems, which fosters communication and interpersonal skills, including those involving negotiation and compromise.
3. Critical Thinking: PBL promotes critical thinking and problem-solving skills. Students are encouraged to analyze and evaluate information and to use their knowledge to create solutions.
4. Real-World Relevance: PBL presents real-world problems that students can relate to. This makes learning more meaningful and applicable to their lives.
5. Long-Term Retention: PBL promotes long-term retention of information. Because students are actively engaged in the learning process, they’re more likely to understand and remember what they’ve learned.

What are the unique benefits of PBL in homeschools?

1. Customization: PBL can be customized to fit the interests and learning styles of individual students. Homeschoolers can create problem scenarios that cater to their child’s interests and skills.
2. Flexibility: PBL allows for flexibility in scheduling and pacing. Homeschoolers can work at their own pace and on their own schedule, without the constraints of a traditional classroom.
3. Family Involvement: PBL encourages family involvement in learning. Parents can work with their children to solve problems, which promotes family bonding and shared learning experiences.
4. Self-Directed Learning: PBL promotes self-directed learning, in which students take ownership of their learning. Homeschoolers can empower their children to take charge of their learning outcomes and develop valuable skills for lifelong learning.

Do I need to adapt a PBL unit for use in a homeschool?

Problem-based learning is a collaborative approach in which students work together to solve a problem. Therefore, traditional PBL can only happen in a group context. However, we understand that some homeschooling parents may have only one child. We created two PBL units specifically for use in scenarios like these. “Problem Studies for One” allow individually homeschooled students to participate in PBL to develop the important and enduring life skills that PBL teaches.

PBL units may need to be adapted for very small groups or homeschools, but with some minor modifications, homeschools with three or more children can use a traditional PBL unit. 

What’s the takeaway?

PBL prepares students for success in a rapidly changing world. With a variety of PBL units to choose from in both classroom and homeschool formats, you use this method again and again.