My Environment, My Health, My Choices

Problem Based Unit: Spring Into Life

 

 

 

  

During this Unit you will be completing a Problem based Learning (PBL) Unit on a Local Environmental Situation. The Unit will involve three main scenarios, field work, interviews and information sessions with Environmental Health experts.

 

What is a PBL?
  In a problem based learning unit you are will solve a real life situation with information that you are given in a story form. Some problem based learning units are based on true stories that have been created from news articles or actual problems in society. Some problem based learning units are partially true and may contain information in the form of a story which the author has decided to include in the scenario. You will use various techniques in solving your problem. These may include brainstorming, teaming, researching, field testing, interviewing and presenting various parts of your PBL. Teamwork is an essential part of being successful in a problem based learning setting.


How do we Begin?
 

You will begin your PBL by working in one large group.

  • Read Parts in PBL 1: Spring Into Life and record facts and questions on individual sheets
  • Move into PBL groups with other students (3-5 per group) and brainstorm facts and questions on chart paper.
  • Follow the links on the PBL 1 page for additional instructions
  • Proceed through PBL 2 and PBL 3 using the same procedure

You will be assigning each person in your group a role. The roles include: Timekeeper, Recorder, Facilitator and Secretary. If you are in a small group, you may have more than one role.


What is a Brainstorming Session?
 

Brainstorming is a technique used to generate a variety of ideas from a group of people in order to work toward a solution to a problem. Brainstorming must be non-judgemental and everyone in the group must feel safe to express their thoughts and questions. Some basic guidelines for your group include the following:

 

How do you participate in a Brainstorming Session?
 
  • Take Turns and Call out ideas
  • Record ideas as stated (verbatim)
  • Strive for quantity
  • Resist evaluation of ideas
  • Encourage all ideas
  • Piggy-back on other ideas