Problem-Based Learning
An Inquiry Approach
(2007)

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.

Reviews | Table of Contents
Read Chapter One | Links for Purchase

Reviews

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

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 Roosevelt Intermediate School, Westfield, NJ

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 Network for Educational Renewal, Montclair State University, NJ

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 Earle Brown Elementary School, Brooklyn Center, MN

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

• Teacher Librarian, April 2007

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

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

• David Weiss, Assistant Superintendent Commack Public Schools, NY

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

Read Chapter One

Chapter One, An Inquiry Process, provides an introduction to inquiry and problem-based learning.
Click here for PDF.

Links for Purchase

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