Problem-Based Cooperative Learning

Karl Smith, Associate Professor of Civil Engineering, University of Minnesota

Do your students need to learn how to solve problems? If so, consider Problem-Based Learning (PBL), an approach in which you use formal cooperative learning techniques to facilitate student groups’ solving of open-ended, real-world problems. Workshop participants will experience problem-solving, learn about the theory and research supporting both PBL and formal cooperative learning, and consider ways to implement problem-based cooperative learning in their classes. Focused on a topic suggested by several SEAS faculty members, this workshop will emphasize engineering problems.

Co-author of numerous books on problem-solving and cooperative learning, Karl most recently was on leave at Michigan State University to help implement MSU’s Guiding Principle Number Two: Achieve More Active Learning.