What is a PBL and where is it used?

Problem based learning is a learner centered approach that is facilitated by a teacher. Problem based learning helps with critical thinking, decision making, reasoning, and much more! PBL promotes higher learning and really causes a student to think. A teacher is very involved in problem based learning. They act sort of like a coach. They ask questions, provide advice, keep students on track with time, and are also a major support for the students. The teacher also decides what role students will play in the problem based learning. In problem based learning students work together to solve problems. This type of learning usually involves current events or the students interests. Students are encouraged to take their own responsibilities for their group based upon their specific roles in the group. KWL charts (Know, want to know, what we learned) can also be used in PBL, this helps students keep track of what they knew before the PBL, what they want to learn (questions that they will answer) and than once the lesson is over, what they have learned.

Problem based learning can be used as a unit. Within this unit class's should be taking field trips, having mini lessons, labs, and sometime speakers. Throughout the unit teachers should also every so often asses their students. Students can also asses themselves as well. It is important for students to be able to asses their self and also their group members.
Using problem based learning is very beneficial in a mathematics classroom because students can work together to solve problems. They can help each other out and also feed off of what the other students know. Problem based learning is important because it also promotes students to find the answers. Instead of giving students a question and telling them to find the answer, students are given the opportunity to form their own questions and find the answers. One of the most important parts of problem based learning is that it lets students see why math is important to the "real world". Students need to see and understand how math is, and will be, a part of their everyday lives.