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Interdisciplinary Journal of Problem-Based Learning

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Full-Text Articles in Education

Grading For Growth: Using Sliding Scale Rubrics To Motivate Struggling Learners, Dina Mahmood, Hugo Jacobo Oct 2019

Grading For Growth: Using Sliding Scale Rubrics To Motivate Struggling Learners, Dina Mahmood, Hugo Jacobo

Interdisciplinary Journal of Problem-Based Learning

In an effort to adopt more equitable and humanizing grading practices, this teacher inquiry explores how educators attempted to improve students’ views of learning and assessments by utilizing rubrics on a sliding scale. Using the sliding scale rubric approach to grading provided an opportunity for students and educators to rethink how learning is evaluated. The authors found that the logistics of using sliding scale rubrics as a grading tool does need to be refined and further evaluated; however, the belief that a student can receive a grade based on her or his individual starting point did have some positive implications …


“We’Re Doing Things That Are Meaningful”: Student Perspectives Of Project-Based Learning Across The Disciplines, Emily E. Virtue, Brandi N. Hinnant-Crawford Sep 2019

“We’Re Doing Things That Are Meaningful”: Student Perspectives Of Project-Based Learning Across The Disciplines, Emily E. Virtue, Brandi N. Hinnant-Crawford

Interdisciplinary Journal of Problem-Based Learning

Supporters of project-based learning (PBL) argue that outcomes from the model include better performance in academic (Bell, 2010; Thomas, 2000) and non-academic outcomes (Saunders-Steward, Gyles, & Shore, 2010). The New Tech Network (NTN) is a school improvement network that provides training and development for high school faculty who commit to using project and/or problem-based learning as the primary instruction methodology (New Tech Network, 2017). This study uses qualitative data to investigate student perspectives of PBL across multiple disciplines at the high school level in NTN schools. Results suggest that students find value in the “hard work” they engaged in whilst …


The Triple Jump In Problem-Based Learning: Unpacking Principles And Practices In Designing Assessment For Curriculum Alignment, Monaliza M. Chian, Susan M. Bridges, Edward C.M. Lo Sep 2019

The Triple Jump In Problem-Based Learning: Unpacking Principles And Practices In Designing Assessment For Curriculum Alignment, Monaliza M. Chian, Susan M. Bridges, Edward C.M. Lo

Interdisciplinary Journal of Problem-Based Learning

Assessment validity, reliability, and constructive alignment to planned learning outcomes are less understood in the context of integrated, problem-based curricula. This conceptual paper examines a Triple Jump Assessment (TJA) employed as a formative and summative assessment system in the first year of an undergraduate dental program. Specifically, we deconstructed this instantiation of a TJA in terms of management and co-ordination; assessment design and item development; assessment administration; and assessment review, refinement and modification. Four core principles of TJA design for constructive alignment in an integrated, problem-based curriculum were identified as: (a) viewing the assessment design process as a collaborative and …


The Role Of Using Formative Assessments In Problem-Based Learning: A Health Sciences Education Perspective, Kristi W. Kelley, Julaine M. Fowlin, Andrew A. Tawfik, Max C. Anderson Aug 2019

The Role Of Using Formative Assessments In Problem-Based Learning: A Health Sciences Education Perspective, Kristi W. Kelley, Julaine M. Fowlin, Andrew A. Tawfik, Max C. Anderson

Interdisciplinary Journal of Problem-Based Learning

Practitioners in the field of pharmacy are often confronted with ill-structured problems. Specifically, pharmacists are tasked with making patient-specific recommendations that are both safe and effective, which requires combining knowledge from the biomedical, behavioral, and pharmaceutical sciences. Given the dynamic nature of pharmacy as a profession, the field has begun to explore learning strategies that go beyond mere content coverage to strategies that better support higher-order learning outcomes. One of these approaches is problem-based learning (PBL). While studies have focused on how to support PBL to improve learning outcomes, the role of assessment is often overlooked. Further exploration is thus …


Project-Based Learning (Pjbl) In Three Southeastern Public Schools: Academic, Behavioral, And Social-Emotional Outcomes, Brooke T. Culclasure, Kyle C. Longest, Troy M. Terry Aug 2019

Project-Based Learning (Pjbl) In Three Southeastern Public Schools: Academic, Behavioral, And Social-Emotional Outcomes, Brooke T. Culclasure, Kyle C. Longest, Troy M. Terry

Interdisciplinary Journal of Problem-Based Learning

Project-based learning (PjBL) as a PK–12 instructional model is growing nationwide. PjBL is seen as a mechanism to deliver academic content in a more engaging way for students and in a way that stresses the development of skills critical to success in the 21st-century workforce. Because of its increasing popularity and the disparate breadth of research around the model, a study of PjBL in three southeastern public schools was conducted during academic years 2015–2016 and 2016–2017. This study attempted to better understand how PjBL was implemented in schools and to explore the impact of PjBL on schools, teachers, and students. …


The Impact Of Pbl As A Stem School Reform Model, Michael R. L. Odell, Teresa J. Kennedy, Eric Stocks Aug 2019

The Impact Of Pbl As A Stem School Reform Model, Michael R. L. Odell, Teresa J. Kennedy, Eric Stocks

Interdisciplinary Journal of Problem-Based Learning

Project/problem-based learning (PBL) can provide an effective model for school reform when implemented with fidelity. In the report, Rising Above the Gathering Storm, it was recommended that if the U.S. is to remain competitive in the 21st-century economy, there must be a serious effort to “enlarge the pipeline of students who are prepared to enter college and graduate with a degree in STEM” (National Academy of Sciences, National Academy of Engineering, & Institute of Medicine, 2007, p. 6). The report included the recommendation that states develop statewide specialty STEM high schools (National Academy of Sciences, National Academy of Engineering, …


Recursive Reflective Reports: Embedded Assessment In Pbl Courses For Second Language Teacher Education, Cynthia A. Caswell Aug 2019

Recursive Reflective Reports: Embedded Assessment In Pbl Courses For Second Language Teacher Education, Cynthia A. Caswell

Interdisciplinary Journal of Problem-Based Learning

This conceptual article begins with a general definition of reflection and the soft skills of PBL: collaboration, agency, and metacognition. Then it presents theoretical frameworks for reflection from second language teacher education (SLTE) (Farrell, 2015; Pennington & Richards, 2016) and illustrates six types of reflection with examples from the field of SLTE. The article features a reflective self- and peer-assessment instrument, utilized in a graduate SLTE program. The standard yet flexible template of the reflective teaching report (RTR) allows these teacher educators to interact with their students’ development in the soft skills and the content of the SLTE knowledge base. …


Performance Assessment Practice As Professional Learning, Vanessa Svihla, Tim Kubik, Tori Stevens-Shauger Aug 2019

Performance Assessment Practice As Professional Learning, Vanessa Svihla, Tim Kubik, Tori Stevens-Shauger

Interdisciplinary Journal of Problem-Based Learning

While performance assessment (PA) is well aligned to project-based learning (PjBL), teachers find it challenging to design and implement PA that is faithful to the authentic context of their projects and viewed externally as rigorous. In contrast to standardizing PA tasks — thereby diminishing authenticity — we formed a research-practice partnership (Coburn, Penuel, & Geil, 2013) that developed and used a “shell” to guide teachers in planning, implementing, and engaging in rigorous dialogues that evaluate and elevate PA practice across four PjBL schools. Drawing from analysis of artifacts and audio-recorded professional development sessions, we highlight how the effort to standardize …


Guest Commentary: Citizenship, Economics, And Morality, Thomas Lucey, Mary Beth Henning Feb 2019

Guest Commentary: Citizenship, Economics, And Morality, Thomas Lucey, Mary Beth Henning

Interdisciplinary Journal of Problem-Based Learning

No abstract provided.


Extending The Challenge Of Problem-Based Learning, Jessica J. Sullivan Feb 2019

Extending The Challenge Of Problem-Based Learning, Jessica J. Sullivan

Interdisciplinary Journal of Problem-Based Learning

No abstract provided.


Problem-Based Learning In Teacher Education, Susan M. Bridges Feb 2019

Problem-Based Learning In Teacher Education, Susan M. Bridges

Interdisciplinary Journal of Problem-Based Learning

No abstract provided.


Elementary School Entrepreneurs, Annie Mcmahon Whitlock Jan 2019

Elementary School Entrepreneurs, Annie Mcmahon Whitlock

Interdisciplinary Journal of Problem-Based Learning

In this paper, I describe the implementation of a project-based economics unit in a fifth-grade classroom in Michigan, titled One Hen. One Hen is a curricular unit designed to teach students about social entrepreneurship as a way for students to learn economic concepts while developing their own civic efficacy by engaging in a project where they design and run their own social business. These findings are part of a larger case study that examines one fifth-grade class’s experience with One Hen and what these students learned about the economic concepts of loans and entrepreneurship. Through the authentic experiences of project-based …


Examining Science Learning And Attitude By At-Risk Students After They Used A Multimedia-Enriched Problem-Based Learning Environment, Min Liu, Sa Liu, Zilong Pan, Wenting Zou, Chenglu Li Jan 2019

Examining Science Learning And Attitude By At-Risk Students After They Used A Multimedia-Enriched Problem-Based Learning Environment, Min Liu, Sa Liu, Zilong Pan, Wenting Zou, Chenglu Li

Interdisciplinary Journal of Problem-Based Learning

Most of the previous problem-based learning (PBL) studies have been conducted with gifted or regular education students and have shown successes. However, little research on PBL exists for disadvantaged middle school students, especially students who are considered to be at risk of failing academically. In this study, we examined the use of a multimedia-enriched PBL science environment by at-risk middle school students. The results, using a mixed-methods design, showed that these students significantly improved their science knowledge and attitude toward science after they engaged in PBL learning. While there were no differences in the scores between the genders, the gain …


Developing Clinical Reasoning Skills Through Argumentation With The Concept Map Method In Medical Problem-Based Learning, Jihyun Si, Hyun-Hee Kong, Sang-Hwa Lee Jan 2019

Developing Clinical Reasoning Skills Through Argumentation With The Concept Map Method In Medical Problem-Based Learning, Jihyun Si, Hyun-Hee Kong, Sang-Hwa Lee

Interdisciplinary Journal of Problem-Based Learning

This study aims to explore the effects of argumentation with the concept map method during medical problem-based learning (PBL) on individual clinical reasoning. Individual clinical reasoning ability was assessed through problem-solving performance and arguments that students constructed during individual clinical reasoning processes. Toulmin’s model of argument was utilized as a structure for arguments. The study also explored whether there would be any differences between the firstand second-year medical students. Ninety-five medical students participated in this study, and they took two PBL modules. During PBL, they were asked as a group to construct concept maps based on their argumentation about a …


Problem-Based Learning In Professional Studies From The Physiotherapy Students’ Perspective, Hilkka Korpi, Liisa Peltokallio, Arja Piirainen Nov 2018

Problem-Based Learning In Professional Studies From The Physiotherapy Students’ Perspective, Hilkka Korpi, Liisa Peltokallio, Arja Piirainen

Interdisciplinary Journal of Problem-Based Learning

The aim of the study was to investigate how physiotherapy students using a problem-based learning approach develop into experts during higher education, and answers the question: How do physiotherapy students at bachelor’s level understand the problem-based learning approach while learning to become professionals? PBL is examined using interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA) of longitudinal data written by 15 voluntary students from two different higher education institutions and collected during 3.5 years. The main results on the new way of learning strengthen earlier conceptions of the importance of reflection in the learning process. The PBL method activates a reflection process by allowing …


Scaffolding For Optimal Challenge In K–12 Problem-Based Learning, Nam Ju Kim, Brian R. Belland, Daryl Axelrod Nov 2018

Scaffolding For Optimal Challenge In K–12 Problem-Based Learning, Nam Ju Kim, Brian R. Belland, Daryl Axelrod

Interdisciplinary Journal of Problem-Based Learning

Establishing optimal challenge enhances intrinsic motivation, interest, and the probability of success in the learning activity. In K–12 problem-based learning (PBL), students may struggle to address associated tasks that are beyond their current ability levels. This paper suggested learner-centered scaffolding systems (LSS) to improve K–12 students’ perception of optimal challenge by addressing their learning issues in PBL. LSS enhances students’ experience in autonomy and competence by providing multiple types of scaffolding in accordance with students’ different needs and difficulties in PBL. Students can control the nature and frequency of scaffolding by themselves according to their needs and ability, and it …


Why Teach With Pbl? Motivational Factors Underlying Middle And High School Teachers’ Use Of Problem-Based Learning, Huei-Chen Lee, Margaret R. Blanchard Oct 2018

Why Teach With Pbl? Motivational Factors Underlying Middle And High School Teachers’ Use Of Problem-Based Learning, Huei-Chen Lee, Margaret R. Blanchard

Interdisciplinary Journal of Problem-Based Learning

This quantitative study examined factors underlying middle and high school teachers’ choices about whether to use problem-based learning (PBL). Survey items measured respondents’ perceived competence, autonomy, and relatedness, and the value and costs they placed on implementing PBL. Teachers who have taught with PBL (n = 126) had significantly more formal PBL professional development, higher levels of perceived competence and value for this pedagogy, perceived more support from peers, and perceived lower costs than did the non–PBL use teachers (n = 30). Findings highlight the importance of formal PBL professional development in increasing teachers’ intention to implement PBL …


Developing Clinical Reasoning Skills In Teacher Candidates Using A Problem-Based Learning Approach, Terry L. Goodin, Nancy G. Caukin, Heather K. Dillard Oct 2018

Developing Clinical Reasoning Skills In Teacher Candidates Using A Problem-Based Learning Approach, Terry L. Goodin, Nancy G. Caukin, Heather K. Dillard

Interdisciplinary Journal of Problem-Based Learning

In 2013, the Educational Leadership Department at Middle Tennessee State University (MTSU) implemented a redesign of the teacher preparation program to transition from a traditional on-campus model to one delivered both on-campus and in off-campus school sites while using a problem-based learning method. This new program closely follows the medical school model of residency experiences coupled with problem-based learning events. This article describes the problembased learning process used in this program, comparing it with the early versions of medical school problem-based learning that encouraged the development of “clinical reasoning” skills. Similarities and differences are highlighted, along with key components of …


Recognizing Our Accomplishments, Saying Thank You, And Looking Ahead For Ijpbl And The Field, Michael M. Grant Sep 2018

Recognizing Our Accomplishments, Saying Thank You, And Looking Ahead For Ijpbl And The Field, Michael M. Grant

Interdisciplinary Journal of Problem-Based Learning

No abstract provided.


Taking Professional Development From 2d To 3d: Design-Based Learning, 2d Modeling, And 3d Fabrication For Authentic Standards-Aligned Lesson Plans, Darran R. Cairns, Reagan Curtis, Konstantinos A. Sierros, Johnna J. Bolyard Sep 2018

Taking Professional Development From 2d To 3d: Design-Based Learning, 2d Modeling, And 3d Fabrication For Authentic Standards-Aligned Lesson Plans, Darran R. Cairns, Reagan Curtis, Konstantinos A. Sierros, Johnna J. Bolyard

Interdisciplinary Journal of Problem-Based Learning

There is currently significant interest in 3D fabrication in middle school classrooms. At its best 3D printing can be utilized in authentic design projects that integrate math, science, and technology, which facilitate deep learning by students. In essence, students are able to tinker in a virtual world using 3D design software and then tinker in the real world using printed parts. We describe a professional development activity we designed to enable middle school teachers who had taken part in a three-year Math Science Partnership program to authentically integrate 3D printing into design-based lessons. We include some examples of successful design-based …


Exploring Problem-Based Learning For Middle School Design And Engineering Education In Digital Fabrication Laboratories, Monica M. Chan, Paulo Blikstein Sep 2018

Exploring Problem-Based Learning For Middle School Design And Engineering Education In Digital Fabrication Laboratories, Monica M. Chan, Paulo Blikstein

Interdisciplinary Journal of Problem-Based Learning

This is a research study of design and engineering classes that use a problem-based learning (PBL) approach in digital fabrication makerspaces in two middle schools. In these studies, teachers employ a PBL approach and provide an ill-structured problem scenario to facilitate design and engineering lessons in the FabLab (fabrication laboratory). Students in each school tackled different challenges that they defined for themselves in groups. This study provides examples of student-student interactions separated into key themes—defining specifications with teammates, personal exploration, and communication about discoveries. This study also provides examples of teacher-student interactions, and themes include demonstrations with tangible objects, discussing …


Zooming Into A Tinkering Project: The Progression Of Learning Through Transitional Objects, Priyanka Parekh, Elisabeth R. Gee Aug 2018

Zooming Into A Tinkering Project: The Progression Of Learning Through Transitional Objects, Priyanka Parekh, Elisabeth R. Gee

Interdisciplinary Journal of Problem-Based Learning

The Maker Movement has been received by the field of K–12 education with great enthusiasm as a way of teaching STEM content to children. We call attention to and identify learning opportunities in children’s projects created in a playful, informal environment with easily available materials. In keeping with research in the field of maker education and learning sciences, we describe tinkering as a constructionist learning activity in which meaning making is captured through transitional objects (Bamberger, 1995). First, we examine one specific tinkering project and identify transitional objects within the project. Next, we discuss the process of meaning making as …


Children’S Negotiations Of Visualization Skills During A Design-Based Learning Experience Using Nondigital And Digital Techniques, Shaunna Smith May 2018

Children’S Negotiations Of Visualization Skills During A Design-Based Learning Experience Using Nondigital And Digital Techniques, Shaunna Smith

Interdisciplinary Journal of Problem-Based Learning

In the context of a 10-day summer camp makerspace experience that employed design-based learning (DBL) strategies, the purpose of this descriptive case study was to better understand the ways in which children use visualization skills to negotiate design as they move back and forth between the world of nondigital design techniques (i.e., drawing, 3-D drawing with hot glue, sculpture, discussion, writing) and digital technologies (i.e., 3-D scanning, 3-D modeling, 3-D printing). Participants included 20 children aged 6–12. This research was guided by Vossoughi, Hooper, and Escudé’s (2016) call for explicit attention to pedagogical practices during the integration of “making” activities. …


Making Learners: A Framework For Evaluating Making In Stem Education, Jill A. Marshall, Jason R. Harron May 2018

Making Learners: A Framework For Evaluating Making In Stem Education, Jill A. Marshall, Jason R. Harron

Interdisciplinary Journal of Problem-Based Learning

The maker movement has strong connections to science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) as well as art and crafts, but the goals of making are not in perfect alignment with any of these disciplines. Within the problem-based paradigm, however, there is room to incorporate making as situated STEM learning, even in formal, standards-based educational settings. We report on a framework for making in STEM education and describe a rubric for assessing the presence of the essential elements of making within STEM instruction. We present examples of the application of the rubric in a STEM teacher education course.


Tinkering With Logo In An Elementary Mathematics Methods Course, Keri Duncan Valentine May 2018

Tinkering With Logo In An Elementary Mathematics Methods Course, Keri Duncan Valentine

Interdisciplinary Journal of Problem-Based Learning

With an increased push to integrate coding and computational literacy in K–12 learning environments, teacher educators will need to consider ways they might support preservice teachers (PSTs). This paper details a tinkering approach used to engage PSTs in thinking computationally as they worked with geometric concepts they will be expected to teach in K–5. Experiences programming in Logo to construct authentic artifacts in the form of two-dimensional geometric graphics not only supported PSTs’ understanding of core geometric and spatial concepts, but also helped them to make connections between mathematics and computational literacy. Artifacts and discourse are discussed as they relate …


Best Practices In Engaging Online Learners Through Active And Experiential Learning Strategies, Gamze Ozogul Mar 2018

Best Practices In Engaging Online Learners Through Active And Experiential Learning Strategies, Gamze Ozogul

Interdisciplinary Journal of Problem-Based Learning

No abstract provided.


The Effect Of Problem-Based Learning On The Creative Thinking And Critical Thinking Disposition Of Students In Visual Arts Education, Kani Ulger Mar 2018

The Effect Of Problem-Based Learning On The Creative Thinking And Critical Thinking Disposition Of Students In Visual Arts Education, Kani Ulger

Interdisciplinary Journal of Problem-Based Learning

The problem-based learning (PBL) approach was implemented as a treatment for higher education visual arts students over one semester to examine its effect on the creative thinking and critical thinking disposition of these students. PBL had a significant effect on creative thinking, but critical thinking disposition was affected to a lesser degree. One possible reason for this result is that in this study, open structures were used for learning activities as a nonroutine problem-solving process to develop creative thinking. Accordingly, the results of this study indicate that PBL can help students with nonroutine problem-solving processes by maintaining uncertainty and enhancing …


Problem-Based Learning In The Life Science Classroom, K–12, Theresa Cullen, Cat D. Jackson Mar 2018

Problem-Based Learning In The Life Science Classroom, K–12, Theresa Cullen, Cat D. Jackson

Interdisciplinary Journal of Problem-Based Learning

No abstract provided.


A Cultured Learning Environment: Implementing A Problem- And Service-Based Microbiology Capstone Course To Assess Process- And Skill-Based Learning Objectives, Rachel M. Watson, John D. Willford, Mariel A. Pfeifer Mar 2018

A Cultured Learning Environment: Implementing A Problem- And Service-Based Microbiology Capstone Course To Assess Process- And Skill-Based Learning Objectives, Rachel M. Watson, John D. Willford, Mariel A. Pfeifer

Interdisciplinary Journal of Problem-Based Learning

In this study, a problem-based capstone course was designed to assess the University of Wyoming Microbiology Program’s skill-based and process-based student learning objectives. Students partnered with a local farm, a community garden, and a free downtown clinic in order to conceptualize, propose, perform, and present studies addressing problems experienced by these partners. Instructor assessments enabled understanding of student competencies, and according to external subject matter experts students demonstrated mastery of all learning objectives on the final research presentation. Community partners were completely satisfied with the students’ solutions, professionalism, and communication. Instructional diagnosis and student course evaluations showed satisfaction, engagement, and …


The Iterative Development And Use Of An Online Problem-Based Learning Module For Preservice And Inservice Teachers, Peter Rillero, Laurie Camposeco Feb 2018

The Iterative Development And Use Of An Online Problem-Based Learning Module For Preservice And Inservice Teachers, Peter Rillero, Laurie Camposeco

Interdisciplinary Journal of Problem-Based Learning

Teachers’ problem-based learning knowledge, abilities, and attitudes are important factors in successful K–12 PBL implementations. This article describes the development and use of a free, online module entitled Design a Problem-Based Learning Experience. The module production, aligned with theories of andragogy, was a partnership between the recipients of a grant using PBL to enhance English language learner education and the Sanford Inspire Program. A multistage evaluation design was used in the iterative process of module creation. Starting with an initial white paper, the module’s conceptualization, development, pilot testing, and refinement are described, along with the current use statistics. The URL …