Facilitating Technology-Enhanced Problem-based Learning (PBL) in the Middle School Classroom: An Examination of How and Why Teachers Adapt
Article
Peggy A. Ertmer, Purdue University, United States ; Krista D. Glazewski, New Mexico State University, United States ; Donna Jones, Anne Ottenbreit-Leftwich, Indiana University, United States ; Yuksel Goktas, Ataturk University, Turkey ; Kelly Collins, Purdue University, United States ; Aslihan Kocaman, Middle East Technical University, Turkey
Journal of Interactive Learning Research Volume 20, Number 1, ISSN 1093-023X Publisher: Association for the Advancement of Computing in Education (AACE), Waynesville, NC
Abstract
Despite the challenges inherent in adopting problem-based learning (PBL) in the middle school classroom, successful PBL teachers are able to find suitable solutions. In this exploratory study we examined the perceptions and practices of five successful middle school PBL teachers regarding the specific difficulties encountered with PBL and the strategies they used to address them. Results suggest that while successful PBL teachers faced multiple challenges when implementing PBL, they created and adapted effective strategies to successfully mitigate the obstacles. Planning approaches included adapting previous units, using a backwards-planning process, and starting small. Implementation strategies included using a variety of grouping strategies and providing greater structure through mini-lessons, daily checks, and access to a list of relevant web resources. Assessment methods included using rubrics to outline project requirements and monitoring daily journals to assess progress. Teachers articulated that the use of these techniques enabled them to engage their students in interdisciplinary content and learning processes that met or exceeded required academic standards.
Citation
Ertmer, P.A., Glazewski, K.D., Jones, D., Ottenbreit-Leftwich, A., Goktas, Y., Collins, K. & Kocaman, A. (2009). Facilitating Technology-Enhanced Problem-based Learning (PBL) in the Middle School Classroom: An Examination of How and Why Teachers Adapt. Journal of Interactive Learning Research, 20(1), 35-54. Waynesville, NC: Association for the Advancement of Computing in Education (AACE). Retrieved August 12, 2024 from https://www.learntechlib.org/primary/p/24475/.
© 2009 Association for the Advancement of Computing in Education (AACE)
Keywords
References
View References & Citations Map- Achilles, C. M., & Hoover, S. P. (1996, November). Exploring problem-based learning (PBL) in grades 6-12. Article presented at the Annual Meeting of the Mid-South Educational Research Association, Tuscaloosa, AL.
- Albanese, M. A., & Mitchell, S. (1993). Problem-based learning: A review of literature on its outcomes and implementation issues. Medical Education, 68, 52-81.
- Abrandt Dahlgren, M., & Dahlgren, L. O. (2002) Portraits of PBL: Students’ experiences of the characteristics of problem-based learning in physiotherapy, computer engineering and psychology. Instructional Science, 30, 111-127.
- Barell, J. (2007). Problem-based learning: An inquiry approach (2nd ed.). Arlington Heights, IL: Skylight.
- Barrows, H. S., & Tamblyn, R. M. (1980). Problem-based learning: An approach to medical education, New York: Springer.
- Ben-Chaim, D., Fey, J., Fitzgerald, W., Benedetto, C., & Miller, J. (1997, April). Development of proportional reasoning in a problem-based middle school curriculum. Article presented at the annual meeting of the American Educational Research Association, Chicago, IL.
- Blumenfeld, P. C., Soloway, E., Marx, R. W., Krajcik, J. S., Guzdial, M., & Palinscar, A. (1991). Motivating project-based learning: Sustaining the doing, supporting the learning, Educational Psychologist, 26, 369-398.
- Boud, D., & Feletti, G. (1991). The challenge of problem-based learning. London: Kogan Page. Brush, T., & Saye, J. (2000). Design, implementation, and evaluation of student-centered learning: A case study. Educational Technology Research and Development, 48(3), 79-100. Cerezo, N. (2004). Problem-based learning in the middle school [Electronic version]. Research in Middle Level Education, 27(1).
- Dahlgren, M. A., Castensson, R., & Dahlgren, L. O. (1998). PBL from the teachers' perspective. Higher Education, 36, 437-447.
- Dochy, F., Segers, M., Van de Bossche, P., & Gijbels, D. (2003). Effects of problem-based learning: A meta-analysis. Learning and Instruction, 12, 533-568.
- Doyle, W. (1983). Academic work. Review of Educational Research, 53, 159-200.
- Ertmer, P. A., Gopalakrishnan, S., & Ross, E. M. (2001). Technology-using teachers: Comparing perceptions of exemplary technology use to best practice. Journal of Research on Technology in Education, 33(5), 1-24.
- Ertmer, P. A., & Simons, K. D. (2006). Jumping the implementation hurdle: Supporting PBL in K-12 classrooms. The Interdisciplinary Journal of Problem-Based Learning, 1(1) [Inaugural Issue], 41-56.
- Frykholm, J. (2004). Teachers' tolerance for discomfort: Implications for curricular reform in mathematics. Journal of Curriculum and Supervision, 19(2), 125-149.
- Gallagher, S. A. (1997). Problem-based learning: Where did it come from, what does it do, and where is it going? Journal for the Education of the Gifted, 20, 332-362.
- Geller, Z. D., Rhyne, R. L., Hansbarger, L. C., Borrego, M. E., VanLeit, B. J., & Scaletti, J. V. (2002). Interdisciplinary health professional education in rural New Mexico: A 10 year experience. Learning in Health and Social Care, 1, 33-46.
- Gordon, P., Rogers, A., & Comfort, M. (2001). A taste of problem-based learning increases achievement of urban minority middle-school students. Educational Horizons, 79(4), 171-175. Hmelo, C. E., & Ferrari, M. (1997). The problem-based learning tutorial: Cultivating higher order thinking skills. Journal for the Education of the Gifted, 20, 401-422.
- Hmelo-Silver, C. E. (2004). Problem-based learning: What and how do students learn? Educational Psychology Review, 16, 235-266.
- Hmelo-Silver, C. E., & Barrows, H. S. (2006). Goals and strategies of a problem-based learning facilitator. Interdisciplinary Journal of Problem-based Learning, 1(1), 22-40.
- Hoffman, B., & Ritchie, D. (1997). Using multimedia to overcome the problems with problembased learning. Instructional Science, 25, 97-115.
- Hung, W., Bailey, J. H., & Jonassen, D. H. (2003). Exploring the tensions of problem-based learning: Insights from research. New Directions for Teaching and Learning, 95, 13-23.
- Jonassen, D. H. (2000). Toward a design theory of problem solving. Educational Technology Research & Development, 48(4), 63-85.
- Kolodner, J. L., Camp, P. J. Crismond, D., Fasse, J. G., Holbrook, J., Puntambekar, S., & Ryan, M. (2003). Problem-based learning meets case-based reasoning in the middle school science classroom: Putting learning by design into practice. Journal of the Learning Sciences, 12, 495-547.
- Kozma, R. B. (2003). Technology and classroom practices: An international study. Journal of Research on Technology in Education, 36(1), 1-14.
- Lambros, A. (2004) Problem-based learning in middle and high school classrooms: A teacher’s guide to implementation. Corwin Press: Thousand Oaks, CA.
- Land, S. M. (2000). Cognitive requirements for learning with open-ended learning environments. Educational Technology Research & Development, 48(3), 61-78.
- Lincoln, Y., & Guba, E. (1985). Naturalistic Inquiry. New York: Sage.
- Liu, M., Williams, D., & Pedersen, S. (2002). Alien Rescue: A problem-based hypermedia learning environment for middle school science. Journal of Educational Technology Systems, 30, 255-270.
- Meier, S., Hovde, R., & Meier, R. (1996). Problem solving: Teachers' perceptions, content area models, and interdisciplinary connections. School Science and Mathematics, 96, 230-237. Merriam, S. B. (1998). Qualitative research and case study applications in education. San Francisco: Jossey-Bass.
- Niederhauser, D. S., & Lindstrom, D. L. (2006). Addressing the NETS for students through constructivist
- Pedersen, S. (2003). Motivational orientation in a problem-based learning environment. Journal of Interactive Learning Research, 14(1), 51-77.
- Pedersen, S., & Liu, M. (2002). Teachers' beliefs about issues in the implementation of a student-centered learning environment. Educational Technology Research and Development, 51(2), 57-76.
- Rhodes, D. G. (1999). A practical approach to problem-based learning: Simple technology makes PBL accessible. American Journal of Pharmaceutical Education, 63, 410-14.
- Savery, J. (2006). Overview of PBL: Definitions and distinctions. Interdisciplinary Journal of Problem-based Learning, 1(1), 9-21.
- Savin-Baden, M. (2003). Facilitating problem-based learning: Illuminating perspectives. The Society for Research into Higher Education & Open University Press: Philadelphia, PA.
- Saye, J. W., & Brush, T. (1999). Student engagement with social issues in a multimedia-supported learning environment. Theory and Research in Social Education, 27, 468-500.
- Schneider, R. M., Krajcik, J., Marx, R. W., & Soloway, E. (2002). Performance of students in project-based classrooms on a national measure of science achievement. Journal of Research in Science Teaching, 39, 410-422.
- Simons, K. D., & Klein, J. (2007). The impact of scaffolding and student achievement levels in a hypermedia, problem-based learning unit. Instructional Science, 35, 41-72. Simons, K. D., Klein, J., & Brush, T. (2004).
- National Center for Education Statistics (2000). Teachers’ tools for the 21st century: A report on teachers’ use of technology (Report No. 2000-102). Washington, DC: Office of Educational Research and Improvement, U.S. Department of Education.
- U.S. Department of Education (2001). No Child Left Behind Act of 2001. Retrieved May 28, 2006, from http://www.ed.gov/offices/OESE/asst.html.
- Ward, J. D., & Lee, C. L. (2002). A review of problem-based learning. Journal of Family and Consumer Sciences Education, 20(1), 16-26.
- Wetzel, M. (1996). Developing the role of the tutor/facilitator. Postgraduate Medical Journal, 72, 474-477.
- Wood, J. C., & Mack, L. G. (2001). Problem-based learning and interdisciplinary instruction. Proceedings of the 2001 American Society for Engineering Education Annual Conference and Exposition, USA, Section 1648.
These references have been extracted automatically and may have some errors. Signed in users can suggest corrections to these mistakes.
Suggest Corrections to References