Graduate Research Papers

Availability

Open Access Graduate Research Paper

Keywords

Constructivism (Education); Problem-based learning

Abstract

The No Child Left Behind legislation brought about a flurry of conversations regarding student achievement (McElroy, 2006). Increased use of standardized testing to measure student achievement has resulted in a discussion of teaching models. Is the transmission teaching model with its expository style the only mode to insure student success? Or is the constructivist teaching model with its inquiry style a mode that better leads to student success? This review of literature examines the instructional practices involved in problem based learning, a constructivist approach. The paper focuses on the components of problem-based learning, the benefits and challenges of using this.approach, and whether problem-based learning is an appropriate educational method for adolescents. The literature review is based on the following research questions: 1. What is problem-based learning? 2. What are the benefits of problem-based learning? 3. What are the challenges of problem-based learning? 4. How does problem-based learning meet the developmental needs of adolescents? Based on the literature review, the author found that positive results, namely, improved academic achievement and social interactions, indicate that problem-based learning is an effective instructional model.

Year of Submission

2006

Degree Name

Master of Arts in Education

Department

Department of Curriculum and Instruction

First Advisor

Jean Schneider

Second Advisor

Rick C. Traw

Comments

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Date Original

2006

Object Description

1 PDF file (40 leaves)

Language

en

File Format

application/pdf

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