Problem-based learning (PBL) uses authentic, real-world problems to help learners explore principles, ideas and application. It has been used for decades in applied fields such as engineering and medicine and more recently in science. PBL can be a great vehicle to draw learners closer to related industries.
The First Year in Maths network is holding a new workshop on Feb 9, 2017 at UTS, Sydney to explore problem-based learning in mathematics. For this workshop, FYiM has taken a broad view of PBL ‘as anything that uses authentic problems (whether abstract or otherwise) as the catalyst for developing an understanding of a topic’.
This workshop will bring together maths educators currently using problem-based learning with colleagues interested in exploring this approach. Industry representatives will talk about what they value in maths graduates (and what they feel is missing), and how PBL might be useful.
- When: Thursday 9 February 2017
- Where: University of Technology Sydney, NSW
- More: info, register &/or download the flyer.
Want to know more about PBL? Have a look at:
- Boud & Feletti (1991), The Challenge of Problem-based Learning, Kogan Page
- Eberlein et al. (2008). Pedagogies of engagement in science. Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Education 36(4): 262-273.
- Badger, Matthew, et al.(2012) “Teaching problem-solving in undergraduate mathematics.” University of Birmingham http://www.mathcentre.ac.uk/resources/uploaded/guide.pdf
- Overton and Johnson (2016) Evidence-based practice in learning and teaching for STEM disciplines. ACDS TL Centre Occasional Paper, http://www.acds-tlcc.edu.au/