As part of out study of chapter two, we were asked to read and summarize a study on inquiry and problem based learning in the classroom. The study that I looked at is “Problem-based Learning: As authentic As It Gets”, by William Stepien and Shelagh Gallagher. It was published in Educational Leadership, April93, Volume 50, Issue Seven. The study analyzed a program in several high schools in Illinois that allowed students to pretend that they were scientists and Dr’s and they worked on trying to decide what to do with nuclear waste. The problem is a real world problem without any easy solutions. Problem based learning is best described as a learning method that allows students to use their knowledge and experiences to analyze and solve a problem, rather than sitting in a classroom and taking notes. This study suggests that this is a highly Effective method of teaching. Teachers take to role of models or facilitators in problem based learning, as opposed to traditional lecturers.
The ultimate goal of this teaching method is to make the students into self-directed learners. To move on to college and into careers, students have to make that jump. According to this study, this a a great way to move the students in that direction. The authors think that this a great way to energize students and increase the amount of content that the students will cover.