Adapting PBL Models to Different Contexts and Classroom Realities
Cindy Hmelo-Silver

Classroom realities can make the traditional model of PBL impractical within the constraints of many teaching–learning environments. Teachers have to face situations such as large classes, sequencing problems, facility limitations, which constrain teachers who would otherwise adopt the PBL methodology. Additional adaptations may be needed for teachers to use PBL with young students, who may require additional scaffolding. Teachers when faced with these difficulties may adapt and vary the PBL method to accommodate to a range of situations.

This workshop will involve a discussion of the original goals and instructional approach of PBL. Expansions and adaptations will be introduced and considered within the need to adhere to the original spirit of PBL and those adaptations which fundamentally change PBL.

This will be an interactive workshop involving small group and whole group discussions, brainstorming and problem solving. After an initial introduction to the issues, small groups will brainstorm problems given in three case studies then participate in a whole group discussion of the adaptations with regards to the PBL model. Participants will be give opportunities to discuss the specific challenges they may face in adapting PBL scenarios to their own particular circumstances.

Discussions will involve questions such as: What kinds of adaptations are needed to deal with particular pragmatic challenges? When is it not PBL anymore? What are acceptable tradeoffs? Do these change the spirit of the PBL technique?