A Model for Implementing Problem-Based Language Learning: Experiences from a Seven-Year Journey
Abstract
The purpose of this paper is twofold. First, it aims to identify the challenges and barriers experienced in implementing problem-based Learning (PBL) in a language program at Sultan Qaboos University in the Sultanate of Oman. Second, it proposes a working model for integrating PBL into an existing program. The research was conducted using a case study approach underpinned by design-based research principles. The proposed model came as a result of tracing the development of the program over a period of seven years with a total of 14 instructors and 2800 students. The model consists of a number of elements which include the use of hybridizing courses, the careful scaffolding of teachers and students, and the development of a PBL culture of collaboration and interdependence. Each of these elements is described from a process perspective, detailing how we attempted to implement them and how they reacted to challenges along the way. Even though the model was designed for a specific language learning and teaching context, it can be adapted to suit local needs. The model is unique in that it creatively integrates the relevant PBL and linguistic aspects that are often missing in PBL designs but are essential for a successful implementation. The skills training and the scaffolding that the model proposes can offer one means of working around rigid institutional and curricula requirements that often face PBL adoption. It is hoped that the model may support future implementations of successful PBL.
Keywords
Full Text:
PDFReferences
Aarnio, M. (2015). Collaborative knowledge construction in the context of problem-based learning: Exploring learning from conflicting ideas and knowledge. (Unpublished doctoral dissertation). University of Helsinki, Finland.
Abdullah, M. H. (1998). Problem-based learning in language instruction: A constructivist method, Article ED423550. https://files.eric.ed.gov/fulltext/ED423550.pdf
Al-Busaidi, S., & Al-Mamaari, F. (2014). Exploring university teachers’ understanding of learner autonomy. Theory and Practice in Language Studies, 4(10), 2051-2060. doi:10.4304/tpls.4.10.2051-2060
Allen, R., & Rooney, P. (1998). Designing a problem-based learning environment for ESL students in business communication. Business Communication Quarterly, 61(2), 48-56. doi:10.1177/108056999806100207
Ali, B., & Abdul Kader, S. Z. (2005, June 9-11). PBL: Impact on communication skills for law students. International Conference on Problem-Based Learning [Conference paper]. Lahti, Finland.
Azer, S. (2001). Problem-based learning: Challenges, barriers and outcome issues. Saudi Medical Journal, 22(5), 389-397.
Azman, N., & Shin, L. (2012). Problem-based learning in English for a second language classroom: Students’ perspectives. The International Journal of Learning, 18(6), 109-126. doi:10.18848/1447-9494/cgp/v18i06/47648
Barnett, R. (1992). Improving higher education: Total quality care. Bristol, PA: Open University Press.
Barron, B., Schwartz, D., Vye, N., Moore, A., Petrosino, A., Zech, L., & Bransford, J. (1998). Doing with understanding: Lessons from research on problem-and project-based learning. Journal of the Learning Sciences, 7(3-4), 271-311. doi:10.1080/10508406.1998.9672056
Barrows, H. S. (1986). A taxonomy of problem-based learning methods. Medical education, 20(6), 481-486. doi:10.1111/j.1365-2923.1986.tb01386.x
Barrows, H. S. (2000). Problem-based learning applied to medical education. Springfield, IL: Southern Illinois University Press.
Bergeron, L., Schrader, D., & Williams, K. (2019). Guest editors' introduction: Unpacking the role of assessment in problem-and project-based learning. Interdisciplinary Journal of Problem-Based Learning, 13(2), 1-2. doi:10.7771/1541-5015.1936
Berkson, L. (1993). Problem-based learning: have the expectations been met? Academic Medicine, 68(10), 79-88. doi:10.1097/00001888-199310000-00053
Biggs, J. (1999). Teaching for quality learning at university. Buckingham: SRHE/Open University Press.
Borg, S., & Al-Busaidi, S. (2012a). Teachers’ beliefs and practices regarding learner autonomy. ELT Journal, 66(3), 283-292. doi:10.1093/elt/ccr065
Borg, S., & Al-Busaidi, S. (2012b). Learner autonomy: English language teachers’ beliefs and practices [Report]. British Council, UK. http://www.teachingenglish.org.uk/publications
Boss, S., & Larmer, J. (2018). Project based teaching: How to create rigorous and engaging learning experiences (3rd ed.), ASCD.
Bradley-Levine, J., Berghoff, B., Seybold, J., Sever, R., Blackwell, S., & Smiley, A. (2010, April). What teachers and administrators “need to know†about project-based learning implementation. Annual meeting of the American educational research association [Paper presentation]. Denver, CO.
Brinkerhoff, J., & Glazewski, K. (2004). Support of expert and novice teachers within a technology enhanced problem-based learning unit: A case study. International Journal of Learning Technology, 1, 219-230. doi:10.1504/IJLT.2004.004877
Brush, T., & Saye, J. (2002). A summary of research exploring hard and soft scaffolding for teachers and students using a multimedia supported learning environment. The Journal of Interactive Online Learning, 1(2), 1-12. doi:10.1.1.211.7691&rep=rep1&type=pdf
Brush, T., & Saye, J. (2008). The effects of multimedia-supported problem-based inquiry on student engagement, empathy, and assumptions about history. The Interdisciplinary Journal of Problem-based Learning, 2(1), 21-56. doi:10.7771/1541-5015.1052
Camp, G. (1996). Problem-based learning: A paradigm shift or a passing fad? Medical Education Online, 1(1), 1-6. doi:10.3402/meo.v1i.4282
Chakravathi, S., & Haleagrahara, N. (2010). An exploration of the strategic challenges of problem-based learning (PBL) in medical education environment: A paradigm shift from traditional lectures. Indian Journal of Science and Technology, 3(2), 216-221. doi:10.17485/ijst/2010/v3i2.24
Chian, M. M., Bridges, S. M., & Lo, E. C. (2019). The triple jump in problem-based learning: Unpacking principles and practices in designing assessment for curriculum alignment. Interdisciplinary Journal of Problem-Based Learning, 13(2), 1-10. doi:10.7771/1541-5015.1813
Dede, C. (2010) Comparing frameworks for 21st century skills. In J. A. Bellanca (Ed.), 21st century skills: Rethinking how students learn (pp. 51-76). Solution Tree Press.
Design-Based Research Collective. (2003). Design-based research: An emerging paradigm for educational inquiry. Educational Researcher, 32(1), 5-8. doi:10.3102/0013189X032001005
Dolmans, D. H., De Grave, W., Wolfhagen, I. H. A. P., & Van Der Vleuten, C. P. (2005). Problemâ€based learning: Future challenges for educational practice and research. Medical education, 39(7), 732-741. doi:10.1111/j.1365-2929.2005.02205.x
Dolmans, D. H. J. M., & Wolfhagen, I. H. A. P. (2004). The relationship between learning style and learning environment. Medical Education, 38, 800-804. doi:10.1111/j.1365-2929.2004.01941.x
Donnelly, R. (2005) Using technology to support project and problem-based learning. In T. Barrett & I. McClelland (Eds.) Handbook of enquiry and problem-based learning: Irish case studies and international perspectives (pp. 157-178). NUI Galway.
Engelbrecht, C., & Wildsmith, R. (2010). Exploring multilingualism in a problem-based learning setting: Implications for classroom and clinical practice in the nursing discipline. Alternation, 17, 108-137.
Ertmer, P. A., & Simons, K. D. (2005). Scaffolding Teachers' Efforts to Implement Problem Based Learning. International Journal of Learning, 12(4), 319-328. doi:10.18848/1447-9494/cgp/v12i04/46447
Ertmer, P. A., & Simons, K. D. (2006). Jumping the PBL implementation hurdle: Supporting the efforts of K–12 teachers. Interdisciplinary Journal of Problem-based Learning, 1(1), 40-54. doi:10.7771/1541-5015.1005
Fullan, M. G. (1992). Successful Improvement. Oxford University Press.
Gallagher, S. A. (1997). Problem-based learning: Where did it come from, what does it do, and where is it going? Journal for the Education of the Gifted, 20, 332-362. doi:10.1177/016235329702000402
Gómez, L. A. (2016). Problem-based learning: enhancing oral communication in the EFL classroom [Unpublished master's thesis]. Universidad Externado de Colombia School of Education Didactics Bogotá D.C.
Grant, M. M., & Hill, J. R. (2006). Weighing the risks with the rewards: Implementing student-centred pedagogy within high-stakes testing. In R. Lambert & C. McCarthy (Eds.) Understanding teacher stress in the age of accountability (pp. 19-42). Information Age.
Greenier, V. T. (2018). The 10Cs of project-based learning TESOL curriculum. Innovation in Language Learning and Teaching, 14(1), 27-36. doi:10.1080/17501229.2018.1473405
Greening, T. (1998). Scaffolding for success in project-based learning. Medical Education Online, 3(1), doi:10.3402/meo.v3i.4297
Hmelo-Silver, C. E. (2004). Problem-based learning: what and how students learn. Educational Psychology Review, 16(3), 235-266. doi:10.1023/B:EDPR.0000034022.16470.f3
Hmelo-Silver C. E., & Barrows H. S. (2008). Facilitating collaborative knowledge building. Cognit Instr, 26(1), 48–94.
Othman, H., Salleh, B. M., & Sulaiman, A. (2014). An innovative learning cycle in problem-based learning. International Journal of Enhanced Research in Educational Development, 2(3), 50-57.
Jiriyasin, T. (2014). Enlivening EFL discussion classrooms with a problem-based learning approach. PASAA: Journal of Language Teaching and Learning in Thailand, 47, 129-146.
Kain, D. L. (2003). Problem-Based Learning for Teachers, Grades 6-12. Allyn and Bacon.
Kane, K. (2016, August 12). Back to school: Why creating classroom community is so important. National Association for the Education of Young Children. https://www.naeyc.org/resources/blog/why-creating-classroom-community-so-important
Kassem, M. A. M. (2018). Improving EFL students' speaking proficiency and motivation: A hybrid problem-based learning approach. Theory and Practice in Language Studies, 8(7), 848-859. doi:10.17507/tpls.0807.17
Kim, N., Belland, B. R., & Axelrod, D. (2019). Scaffolding for optimal challenge in K–12 problem-based learning. Interdisciplinary Journal of Problem-Based Learning, 13(1), 1-24. doi:10.7771/1541-5015.1712
Krajcik, J. S., Blumenfeld, P. C., Marx, R. W., & Soloway, E. (1994). A collaborative model for helping middle school science teachers learn project-based instruction. The Elementary School Journal, 94, 483-497. doi:10.1086/461779
Lai, P., & Tang, C. (1999). Constraints affecting the implementation of problem-based learning (PBL) strategy in university courses. In J. Marsh (Ed.), Implementing Problem Based Learning. First Asia Pacific Conference on Problem Based Learning (pp. 49-54). The Management Committee of Hong Kong University Grants Committee.
Land, S. M. (2000). Cognitive requirements for learning with open-ended learning environments. Educational Technology Research & Development, 48(3), 61-78. doi:10.1007/BF02319858
Larsson, J. (2001). Problem-based learning: A possible approach to language education. Polonian Institute, Jagiellonian University. https://www.nada.kth. se/~jla/docs/PBL.pdf
Lee, N. (2013, June). A conceptual framework for technology-enhanced problem-based learning in construction engineering and management education.2013 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition [Conference presentation]. Atlanta, Georgia. https://peer.asee.org/19049
Lee, H., & Blanchard, M. R. (2019). Why teach with PBL? Motivational factors underlying middle and high school teachers’ use of problem-based learning. Interdisciplinary Journal of Problem-Based Learning, 13(1). doi:10.7771/1541-5015.1719
Lemke, C. (2002). enGauge 21st Century Skills: Digital Literacies for a Digital Age. Naperville, IL: North Central Regional Educational Lab. https://files.eric.ed.gov/fulltext/ED463753.pdf
Li, H., & Henriksen, L. (2010). A Story of Organizational Change to PBL in Australia. Proceedings of the Joint International IGIP-SEFI Annual Conference 2010, Slovakia. European Society for Engineering Education.
Lim, W. K. (2012). Dysfunctional problem-based learning curricula: resolving the problem. BMC Medical Education, 12, 1-7. doi:10.1186/1472-6920-12-89
Lin, L. F. (2015). The impact of problem-based learning on Chinese-speaking elementary school students' English vocabulary learning and use. System, 55, 30-42. doi:10.1016/j.system.2015.08.004
Lin, L. F. (2016). The effects of the task-based language teaching and the presentation-practice-production models on grammar instruction. Journal of English Education, 5(1), 45–79. doi:10.31327/jee.v1i1
Luk, K. F. (2004). Primary school teachers' perceptions of their experience in using ICT for project-based learning. University of Hong Kong.
McDonald, R. F., & Savin-Baden, M. (2004). A briefing on assessment in problem-based learning. LTSN Generic Centre Assessment Series.
Malik, A. S., & Malik, R. H. (2018). What really is hybrid problem based learning curriculum? A review. Quest International Journal of Medical and Health Sciences, 1(1), 8-18.
Mansor, A., Abdullah, N., Wahab, J., Rasul, M., Nor, M., Nor, N., & Raof, R. (2015). Managing problem-based learning: challenges and solutions for educational practice. Asian Social Science, 11(4), 259-268. doi:10.5539/ass.v11n4p259
Mathews-Aydinli, J. (2007). Problem-based learning and adult English language learners. Center for Adult English Language Acquisition. Center for Applied Linguistics, 1–8.
Mergendoller, J., & Thomas, J. W. (2005). Managing project-based learning: Principles from the field. http://citeseerx.ist.psu.edu/viewdoc/download?doi=10.1.1.532.3730&rep=rep1&type=pdf
Michel, M. C., Bischoff, A., & Jakobs, K. H. (2002). Comparison of problem and lecture-based pharmacology teaching. Trends in Pharmacological Science 23(4), 168-70. doi:10.1016/S0165-6147(00)01940-4
Moss, D., & Van Duzer, C. H. (1998). PBL for adult English language learners, Article ED427556. ERIC Digests. National Clearinghouse for ESL Literacy Education.
Norzaini, A., & Kor Shin, L. (2012). Problem-based learning in English for a second language classroom: students’ perspectives. International Journal of Learning, 18(6). 109-126.
Palupi, B. S., Subiyantoro, S., Rukayah, & Triyanto. (2020). The Effectiveness of guided inquiry learning (GIL) and problem-based learning (PBL) for explanatory writing skill. International Journal of Instruction, 13(1), 713-730. doi:10.29333/iji.2020.13146a
Peterson, M. (1997). Skills to enhance problem-based learning. Medical Education Online, 2(1), 1-9. doi:10.3402/meo.v2i.4289
Reinders, H., & Benson, P. (2017). Language learning beyond the classroom: A research agenda. Language Teaching, 50(4), 561-578.
Rowan, C., McCourt, C., & Beake, S. (2008). Problem based learning in midwifery: The students’ perspective. Nurse Education Today, 28, 93-99. doi:10.1016/j.nedt.2007.02.014
Salam, A., Mohamad, N., Siraj, H., Latif, A., Soelaiman, I., Omar, B. & Moktar, N. (2009). Challenges of problem based learning. South East Asian Journal of Medical Education, 3(2), 54-60.
Savery, J. R. (2006). Overview of problem-based learning: deï¬nitions and distinctions. Interdisciplinary Journal of Problem-Based Learning, 1(1). 9-20.
Simons, K. D., Klein, J. D., & Brush, T. R. (2004). Instructional strategies utilized during the implementation of a hypermedia, problem-based learning environment: A case study. Journal of Interactive Learning Research, 15, 213-233.
Singaram, V. S., van der Vleuten, C. P. M., Stevens, F., & Dolmans, D. H. J. M. (2011). For most of us Africans, we don’t just speak: A qualitative investigation into collaborative heterogeneous PBL group learning. Advances in Health Sciences Education, 16(3), 297-310. doi:10.1007/s10459-010-9262-3
Smith, J. S., & Wertlieb, E. C. (2005). First-year college students' expectations align with their first-year experiences? NASPA Journal, 42(2), 153-174. doi:10.2202/1949-6605.1470
Stix, A., & Hrbek, F. (2006). Teachers as classroom coaches: How to motivate students across the content areas. Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development. Alexandria, VA.
Swift, S. (2006, September). First lessons: Establishing classroom culture. An ELT notebook: A collection of articles on EFL methodology for teachers all levels of experience. An ELT Notebook. http://eltnotebook.blogspot.qa/2006/09/first-lessons-establishing-classroom.html
Tally, T. (2015). The Challenges of Implementing Project Based Learning in the 21st Century Classroom [Unpublished master’s thesis]. University of Victoria.
Tomlinson, B. (2011) Principles and procedures of materials development. In N. Harwood (Ed.) Materials in ELT: Theory and practice. Cambridge University Press.
Van den Hurk, M. M., Dolmans, D. H., Wolfhagen, I. H., & Van Der Vleuten, C. P. (2001). Testing a causal model for learning in a problem-based curriculum. Adv Health Sci Educ, 6(2), 141-149 doi:10.1023/A:1011402507476
Vermunt, J. D., & Verloop, N. (2000). Dissonance in students’ regulation of learning processes. European Journal of Psychology of Education, 15(1), 75-89. doi:10.1007/BF03173168
Visschers-Pleijers A. J., Dolmans, D., Wolfhagen, I. H., & Van Der Vleuten, C. P. (2004). Exploration of a method to analyze group interactions in problem-based learning. Med Teach, 26(5), 471–478.
Visschers-Pleijers, A. J., Dolmans, D. H., De Leng, B. A., Wolfhagen, I. H., & Van Der Vleuten, C. P. (2006). Analysis of verbal interactions in tutorial groups: a process study. Med Educ, 40(2), 129-137. doi:10.1111/j.1365-2929.2005.02368.x
Wang, F., & Hannafin, M. J. (2005). Design-based research and technology-enhanced learning environments. Educational Technology Research and Development, 53(4), 5-23. doi:10.1007/BF02504682
Ward, J. D., & Lee, C. L. (2002). A review of problem-based learning. Journal of Family and Consumer Sciences Education, 20(1), 16-26.
Wee, L. K. N., Kek, M. Y. C. A., Da Silva, G. & Seah, T. H. D. (2000). Tried and tested: issues and implications for educators in problem-based learning - relearning from the learners' perspective. Proceedings of the 2nd Asia-Pacific Conference on Problem-Based Learning 2000: PBL: Educational Innovation Across Disciplines. Singapore. https://eprints.usq.edu.au/5117/
Wee, K. N. L. (2004). Jump Start Authentic Problem-Based Learning. Pearson-Prentice Hall.
William, S., & Shelagh, G. (1993). Problem-based learning: as authentic as it gets. Educational Leadership, 50(7), 25-29.
Wood, A., & Head, M. (2003). ‘Just what the doctor ordered’: The application of problem-based learning to EAP. English for Specific Purposes, 23, 3-17 doi:10.1016/S0889-4906(03)00031-0
Yew, E., & Goh, K. (2016). Problem-Based Learning: An Overview of its Process and Impact on Learning. Health Professions Education, 2(2), 75-79. doi:10.1016/j.hpe.2016.01.004
Zhou, G., & Niu, X. (2015). Approaches to language teaching and learning. Journal of Language Teaching and Research, 6(4), 798-802. doi:10.17507/jltr.0604.11
Refbacks
- There are currently no refbacks.
e-ISSN: 1694-2116
p-ISSN: 1694-2493