All you need to do is a quick Google search (or two), to find the perfect rationale for using Problem Based Learning (PBL). Actually, there are many valid reasons for bringing PBL into your classroom.  A well designed PBL inherently embodies student centered learning.

• Preparing students with skills they need
• Motivating students to engage in learning
• Interdisciplinary learning
• Differentiation
• Student-centered teaching practices
• Students can be authentically assessed
• Can be used with students from Kinder through College
• Research supports PBL

Creating a quality PBL takes time and practice.  We model our practice after those found at the Earth Systems Science Education Alliance (ESSEA),  using a modified Buck Institute template. The ESSEA modules utilize to some added features such as an in-depth scenario to provide context and a ‘reason to learn’, along with a clearly defined task and multiple online resources which support differentiated instruction.

I’ll take this up in more depth in the near future.

Post image from https://medium.com/synapse/student-centered-vs-teacher-centered-learning-2184a7521720