Jun
10
2014
OKSci Spotlight

Problem Based Learning

Author An article by Sarah Vann    Comments No Comments
Submitted By:
Tiffany Bolding
Rosa Parks Elementary
Union Public School
 
You may have heard of Problem Based Learning and wondered what it is. We asked Tiffany Bolding about their program at Rosa Parks Elementary. Rosa Parks is also a community school, which provides multiple services to students and their families. In addition to these vital services, teachers strive to engage students in solving real problems.Problem Based Learning is a form of student centered learning where students are given real world problems to solve, using problem solving skills and collaboration. This approach to learning benefits students because the students are allowed to take control of their learning. They collaborate, problem solve, self monitor, and use teamwork to solve problems.
 
One recent project at Rosa Parks was an engineering design challenge for students in fifth grade and above. Students are presented with a problem: How do you build a tall tower? We began with a book detailing a day in the life of an architect. Then we took a field trip to see tall towers in our downtown area. Students took notes and pictures of design elements they noticed. The next step was to introduce the challenge and distribute materials. Students could use only straws, masking tape, and a tennis ball to build a tall tower that would hold a tennis ball. Students researched different tall towers from around the world and watched videos before designing a plan.
 
Towers were constructed in groups, where members relied on each other to get the job done. We saw a lot of problem solving, trial and error, and best of all: EXCITEMENT! The entire project was completed in 2-3 weeks and culminated in students presenting their work to the class and pointing out their unique design features. The ultimate test was whether or not their tower would support a tennis ball. You can see a wonderful video showcasing student projects on the Union Public Schools web page.
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