Problem-Based and Collaborative Learning
What it is:
Problem-Based Learning (PBL) and Collaborative Learning are active learning approaches that strongly promote student engagement. PBL uses complex, authentic, or realistic problems as the starting point for learning. Students work together in small groups to understand the problem, identify what they need to learn, research information, analyze findings, propose solutions, and present their conclusions.
Collaborative Learning, in general, emphasizes students working together in small groups to complete tasks or achieve shared learning goals. Group members are interdependent, exchanging ideas, helping each other, and sharing responsibility for the group’s success. These two approaches are often used together, as complex problems typically require teamwork for effective resolution.
This aligns with Education 4.0’s core pedagogies and contributes directly to developing sought-after skills in the modern workforce.
How to implement it:
Implementing PBL begins by presenting students with an engaging and challenging problem that is sufficiently complex to require them to utilize existing knowledge and actively seek new information. Faculty act as facilitators, posing questions to stimulate thinking, guiding the learning process, and providing support in research and analysis, rather than giving direct answers.
For Collaborative Learning, faculty divide students into diverse small groups, assign clear tasks that necessitate interdependence, teach teamwork skills (like listening, communication, conflict resolution), and define roles or responsibilities within groups if needed. Faculty observe group interactions, provide guidance, and assess both individual and group performance. Using clear rubrics to evaluate the group process and outcomes is important. Integrating technology to support online collaboration can enhance these approaches.
Practical Tips for Implementation:
- Choose Authentic Problems: Select problems that are relevant to students’ field of study and mirror the types of challenges they might face in their future careers or in society.
- Structure Group Work: Clearly define group size (typically 3-5 students), roles (e.g., leader, recorder, presenter), and expectations for participation and contribution.
- Provide Resources: Guide students to relevant resources (e.g., academic databases, industry reports, expert interviews) to support their problem investigation.
- Facilitate, Don’t Lecture: Resist the urge to provide solutions or extensive content lectures. Instead, guide student inquiry by asking probing questions and providing timely feedback on their progress.
- Teach Collaboration Skills: Don’t assume students instinctively know how to collaborate effectively. Provide explicit instruction and opportunities to practice communication, conflict resolution, and shared decision-making skills.
- Use Technology for Collaboration: Utilize online platforms, shared documents, and communication tools to facilitate group work, especially for students who may have difficulty meeting in person.
- Assess Both Individual and Group Contributions: Design assessment strategies that evaluate both the collective outcome of the group’s work and the individual contributions and learning of each student. Peer evaluation can be a valuable tool.
- Manage Group Dynamics: Be prepared to intervene and provide guidance when groups experience conflict or uneven participation.
Its value and benefits:
PBL and Collaborative Learning are highly valuable in developing high-potential KKU graduates ready for the Education 4.0 era.
Enhancing “Wittaya” (Knowledge & Skills)
They intensely develop complex problem-solving, critical thinking, analysis, synthesis, self-directed learning, and teamwork – skills highly demanded by the job market. Engaging with real problems helps students see the relevance and applicability of theoretical knowledge.
Fostering “Jariya” (Ethics & Characters)
Through group work, students practice communication, respecting diverse opinions, taking responsibility, managing conflict, and contributing to team success. Collaboration and ethical work habits are cultivated.
Sparking “Panya” (Wisdom)
Encouraging out-of-the-box thinking, finding multiple solutions, and learning from group experience helps students develop wisdom in decision-making and comprehensive problem-solving.
These approaches strongly align with Education 4.0’s focus on future-ready skills, practical learning, and collaboration. By promoting PBL and Collaborative Learning, KKU produces graduates capable of tackling problems, innovating, and working effectively with others to drive societal progress. This approach also helps address large class sizes by breaking students into smaller, more manageable learning units.