Professional Development

Problem-Based Learning

Studies show that students learn faster and retain more information when they are actively involved in the learning process. Problem-based learning (PBL), especially when experienced in groups, gets students actively involved in learning and while it allows for peer teaching.

FACS courses provide many opportunities for students to learn and apply the skills necessary for solving problems in tandem with classmates. Through the use of project- and problem-based learning, you can offer a structured method of teaching team-building, social skills, and team decision making while teaching basic concepts-essential skills for making nutrition and wellness choices. The new Teacher Editions throughout the range of Glencoe FACS programs outline the benefits of the PBL approach:

• Emphasizes working toward group goals rather than individual achievement.
• Encourages students to learn not only for themselves, but to help everyone in the group learn.
• Increases academic achievement and develops essential social skills.
• Teaches valuable problem-solving, team-building, and creativity skills that transfer to real-world situations.
• Generates positive feelings among students about themselves and each other as they work toward a common goal.
• Enables students to perceive each other as colleagues rather than competitors.
• Applies to all learning styles.
• Allows for a variety of assessments.

Still, on a practical level, do FACS teachers really have time to incorporate PBL and still meet the high demands required to meet today's raised standards? They do if such learning becomes a natural part of the overall lesson. To help that happen, each Glencoe program blends project- or problem-based learning activities into lesson plans, eliminating the risk of losing time or focus.

back to top