Problem-based learning (pbl)

Running Head: PROBLEM-BASED LEARNING

Problem-based learning (PBL) is one of the forms in teaching methodology and it was found the most beneficial implementations in teaching and learning procedures. This technique gives a huge impact in enhancing students’ creativity and develops critical thinking. The idea of PBL was formalized by medical educators in the 1950s and 1960s to address the exponential expansion of medical knowledge while better aligning traditional classroom problem-solving approaches with those used in clinical practice (Barrows and Tamblyn, 1980; Boud, 1985; Allen, Donham, & Bernhardt, 2011). The specific definition of PBL was clearly described by Allen, Donham and Bernhardt (2011) that in problem-based learning, students working in collaborative groups learn by resolving complex, realistic problems under the guidance of faculty. Next, PBL examines the evidence for effectiveness of the method to achieve its goals of fostering deep understandings of content and discuss the potential for developing process skills: research, negotiation and teamwork, writing, and verbal communication.

The idea of PBL was replicated in various dimensions and new implementation and technique has been using in accordance with the changes of curriculum and subject matter. With the relevancy of computer and technology development, PBL comes in numerous strategies to create new metaphors of learning environment. One of the methods that I would like to share here is the use of FILA Table. FILA is the abbreviation for Facts, Ideas, Learning Outcomes/Issues and Actions. This structured table is helpful to overcome problem solutions technique and PBL is easy to be implemented in current teaching and learning settings since it offers freedom and enhances better understanding among students. By using the FILA chart, we can list the facts from the problems, ideas, learning outcomes and some actions in order to solve the problems.

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  Facts - sentences in the text of problems at given situations.
  
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  Ideas - issues of problems
  
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  Learning outcomes - ways to overcome the problems
  
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  Action - steps taken to solve the problems
  

Example of the FILA chart:

Problem Scenario 1:

Rosa a new teacher was chosen to attend a workshop on Learning & Teaching organized by the district education department. In the workshop she was exposed to many things such as learning theories, teaching methods, classroom management and assessment process. At the end of the workshop each participant needs to deliver a talk according to particular topic given randomly to them. The topic given to Rosa was Smart School. As a curriculum officer how would you help Rosa?

Table 1

Procedures in FILA Table

Facts	Ideas	Learning Outcomes (Issues)	Actions
- A new teacher who was chosen to attend a workshop on learning and teaching organize by district education department. - Was exposed to many things such as learning methods, classroom management and assessment process - Need to deliver a talk at the end of the workshop. - The topic given is about Smart School.	- Lacks of experiences and general knowledge. - Needs to share the information with the other participants. - Might be teaching in Smart School. -Find information about Smart School and do preparation before the talk. - Has improved her communication skills. - Enhance her self-confidence.	- What is a Smart School? - What are the objectives of a Smart School? - What are the concepts of teaching and learning in a Smart School? - What are the differences between a Smart School and an ordinary school? - What are the roles played by the teachers, school and parents in order to achieve the objectives and goals of a Smart School? - What are the challenges and benefits?	- Surfing the internet to find information about a Smart School. - Doing research for articles of a Smart School at the library. - Do the discussion with all the group members. - Finish the assignment before the deadline.

Note. Descriptions and suggestion were made by Rosa according to problem based learning education. Adapted from “FILA Chart,” by Nofazilah Zuldin, 2011, http://fazielazuldin.blogspot.com/2011/10/fila-chart.html

References

Allen, D.E., Donham, R.S., & Bernhardt, S. A. (2011). Problem-based learning. New Direction for Teaching and Learning, 128, 21-29. doi: 10.1002/tl.465

Norfazilah Zuldin (2011). FILA chart. Retrieved February 7^th, 2013 from http://fazielazuldin.blogspot.com/2011/10/fila-chart.html