Problem-Based Learning: An Inquiry Approach

by John F. Barell

Overview

A step-bystep guide for teaching your students to think critically and solve complex problems!

In a world with increasingly global economies and competition, students need to learn how to think critically and analytically, and to apply their imaginations to solve complex problems. Problem-based learning (PBL) does just that, helping students identify problems, pose their own questions, research answers, report results, and create a stake in their own learning. While teachers know the benefits, they are sometimes challenged by the process.

Expert John Barell troubleshoots the PBL process for teachers. Basic procedures make this remarkably effective teaching model accessible and highly doable for all teachers, from beginners to veterans. The author draws on practical classroom experiences and incorporates methods that are widely praised by reviewers and users of the first edition. This standards-based, teacher-friendly second edition includes:

• A step-by-step method to simplify the process
• Examples showing problem-based learning in action
• Answers to frequently asked questions on standards-based implementation
• Thorough guidelines for developing problems for students to solve and letting them develop their own
• Rubrics and assessment tips to ensure that standards are met

Problem-Based Learning, Second Edition offers an easy-to-follow, rich teaching model for all teachers and grade levels, enabling you to confidently engage students for more meaningful learning and success, both inside and outside the classroom!

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781483360133
Publisher:	SAGE Publications
Publication date:	12/20/2006
Sold by:	Barnes & Noble
Format:	eBook
Pages:	192
File size:	5 MB

About the Author

Learn more about John Barell′s PD offerings


John Barell is Professor Emeritus of Curriculum and Teaching at Montclair State University, Montclair, NJ, and former public school teacher in New York City. For the past several years he has been a consultant for inquiry-based instruction and creation of science/social studies networks at the American Museum of Natural History in New York City. For most of his educational career he has worked with schools nationally to foster inquiry, problem-based learning, critical thinking, and reflection. Barell is the author of several books, including Teaching for Thoughtfulness: Strategies to Enhance Intellectual Development (1995, 2nd ed.) and Developing More Curious Minds (2003).

Table of Contents

Introduction
Part 1. Preparation
1. An Inquiry Process
2. Designing the Invitational Environment
3. A Curricular Overview
Part 2. Application
4. Teacher-Directed Inquiry
5. Teacher-Student Shared Inquiry
6. Student-Directed Inquiry
7. Multidisciplinary Approaches
8. Assessment, Application, and Reflection
Appendix A
References
Index

Editorial Reviews

"A winning, application-based analysis of PBL. Teachers receive an excellent survey of the process with attention to troubleshooting common issues and problems. "

California Bookwatch

"Deserves a place on every educator's bookshelf. This book offers multiple examples of easy and practical ways to incorporate problem-based inquiry into every classroom."

Jeff Robbins

"Barell has provided a sound strategy and an easy-to-follow outline for the PBL process. "

Teacher Librarian

"An easy-to-read, straightforward approach to improving student achievement. This valuable resource refocuses on what is most important in our educational system: getting kids to think for themselves."

Randal M. Koch

"Provides both the theoretical and practical framework for structuring instruction that will stimulate the natural curiosity of students."

David Weiss

"Enables teachers to prepare their students to take ownership of a task and use appropriate learning resources in acquiring contextual and procedural knowledge and gaining proficiency in problem-solving skills through self-directed learning and collaborative teams. For those starting out exploring problem-based learning and discovering how to facilitate the learning process, this book is a place to begin. "

NSTA Recommends

"Barell shares numerous examples from teachers and students to illustrate what inquiry looks like and provides the necessary tools and step-by-step guidelines to bring problem-based learning to your classroom."

Cheryl Hopper

"A winning, application-based analysis of PBL. Teachers receive an excellent survey of the process with attention to troubleshooting common issues and problems."--California Bookwatch, March 2007 (4/11/2007 12:00:00 AM)

"Barell has provided a sound strategy and an easy-to-follow outline for the PBL process."--Teacher Librarian, April 2007 (11/7/2007 12:00:00 AM)

"Enables teachers to prepare their students to take ownership of a task and use appropriate learning resources in acquiring contextual and procedural knowledge and gaining proficiency in problem-solving skills through self-directed learning and collaborative teams. For those starting out exploring problem-based learning and discovering how to facilitate the learning process, this book is a place to begin."--NSTA Recommends (5/3/2007 12:00:00 AM)

"An easy-to-read, straightforward approach to improving student achievement. This valuable resource refocuses on what is most important in our educational system: getting kids to think for themselves."--Randal M. Koch, Principal (11/21/2006 12:00:00 AM)

"Barell shares numerous examples from teachers and students to illustrate what inquiry looks like and provides the necessary tools and step-by-step guidelines to bring problem-based learning to your classroom."--Cheryl Hopper, Director (11/21/2006 12:00:00 AM)

"Deserves a place on every educator′s bookshelf. This book offers multiple examples of easy and practical ways to incorporate problem-based inquiry into every classroom."--Jeff Robbins, Science Teacher (11/21/2006 12:00:00 AM)

"Provides both the theoretical and practical framework for structuring instruction that will stimulate the natural curiosity of students."--David Weiss, Assistant Superintendent (11/22/2006 12:00:00 AM)

From the Publisher