Lifelong Learning Programme

This project has been funded with support from the European Commission.
This web site reflects the views only of the author, and the Commission cannot be held responsible for any use which may be made of the information contained therein.

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This project has been funded with support from the European Commission. This web site reflects the views only of the author, and the Commission cannot be held responsible for any use which may be made of the information contained therein.

Teachers’ Guide

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TEACHING SCIENTIFIC SUBJECTS THROUGH PROBLEM BASED AND REAL LIFE CASE SCENARIOS

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Chapter 3: Problem based learning
3.3. Limitations of problem based learning
Online Resources on Problem based learning is valuable because by applying it students face the model typical of many work places while they are still at school. However, problem based learning is oriented to those who are capable of self-directed learning, i.e. independent students. The drawbacks of the method are inseparable from the maturity of students. According to Nilson (2010), is useful to distinguish the following cases when the method does not satisfy expectations:
  1. This is a complex and time consuming method. Problem solving takes place beyond the classroom and requires a variety of skills on part of the students.
  2. Problem based learning requires the highest-level teaching competences and experience. If the teacher does not observe and does not notice difficulties in the learning process, students may stop moving in the right direction and remain in a hopeless situation.
  3. During problem based learning students get deeper understanding of the subject but the scope of it is narrower. Some topics might be left aside due to the lack of time.
  4. Students discover the majority of the aspects of a subject independently, therefore the teacher cannot fully control the level of skills.
  5. Students who lack skills or have poorer educational background may have strong negative feelings and do not want to carry out the tasks. They may not participate in the team work to the full extent as they feel incompetent and unable to learn independently.
  6. It is difficult to design situations that would embrace all aspects of a topic that students must learn. Some drawbacks of the method can me amended by means of e-learning environments. The method of problem based learning has the same goals as e-learning: to develop students’ motivation by relating knowledge with real life situations and community problems, to facilitate the acquisition of knowledge and information by relating new content to previously learned things, to reflect one’s activity starting with the formulation of tasks to the presentation of the activity results.
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