Problem-based learning as facilitated, small-group, self-directed exploration of problems

Design · All designs
Evidence · 2 claims (2 for) · 1 study (1 causal), q3 · 0 of 1 report an effect size · 2 claims rest on one study

Description

The article describes PBL as "a range of pedagogical approaches that encourage students to learn through the structured exploration of a research problem." Class activities are built around problems rather than lectures; students take the initiative to inquire, apply what they learn back to the problem, and become responsible for their own learning, while the teacher acts as a facilitator whose interventions diminish over time. The method is characteristically carried out in small facilitated groups that exploit the social aspect of learning through discussion, problem solving, and peer study, forming what the authors call a cognitive apprenticeship.

Design Implications

Context

Requirements

• Teachers trained to facilitate PBL; in this study mathematics teachers of three years' experience and above were trained by the researcher

Constraints

• The study reports this as a case study of algebra instruction in Benue State, Nigeria

Target Learners

• senior secondary one (SS1) students

Learning Goals

• algebra skills including formulae, variation, factorization and quadratic equations
• problem solving skills

Claims

• Pbl No Gender Achievement Difference [+M]
• Pbl No Gender Retention Difference [+M]

Related Designs

Examples

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Key Sources

• Ajai, J.T. & Imoko, I.I. (2015). Gender differences in mathematics achievement and retention scores: A case of problem-based learning method. International Journal of Research in Education and Science (IJRES), 1(1), 45-50. http://www.ijres.net

Page metadata

Field	Value
type	design
id	pbl-facilitated-small-group-self-directed
title	Problem-based learning as facilitated, small-group, self-directed exploration of problems
description	The article describes PBL as "a range of pedagogical approaches that encourage students to learn through the structured exploration of a research problem." Class activities are built around problems rather than lectur...
status	review
generated	by process:settle-candidates on 2026-11-03
trust	unverified — no one has confirmed this page's content
sources	1 — ajai-2015

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