Problem-based Learning: What’s in it for your Students

Presenters: Sticklen and Claudia Vergara, CEER

Date:  Tuesday, March 11, 2014

Time:  noon-1pm

Location:  3540 EB

Abstract

Problem based learning is becoming both a ubiquitous phrase and an overloaded concept.  Many educators have started with a loose idea of "problem-inspired instruction" and crafted an implementation that sufficed in their environments. We will try to clear some of the fog of conversation around PBL. Going further, we will describe the origins of PBL - what were educators looking for that drove them towards PBL, and what is the relevance today especially for engineering educators. 

About Jon Sticklen and Claudia Vergara

Jon Sticklen is Director of the Center for Engineering Education Research (CEER), College of Engineering, MSU, and Director of the Applied Engineering Sciences (AES) undergrad degree program in Engineering. In AES, he has been developing PBL as the main driver in selected AES courses. 

Claudia Vergara is a Senior Researcher in CEER, and has studied PBL approaches extensively over the last few years.