Using Problem-Based Learning as a Tool to Enhance the Freshman Year Transition Experience

Using Problem-Based Learning as a Tool to Enhance the Freshman Year Transition Experience Dr. Linda McDowell Dr. Carol Y. Phillips Millersville University

The Learning Experience • Linked courses • Seminar Course • Classroom in Harbold Hall • Problem-Based Learning • Co-curricular, Extracurricular and Service Learning Requirements • Career Exploration for Undecided Majors

Freshman Seminar • Faculty Seminar Training • Faculty Role - Facilitator • Problem-Based Learning Approach – Relevance for Entering Students • Service-Learning Component • Co-curricular and Extracurricular Requirements

Educational basis Themes for Problems Reflect Research on First-Year Students Problems Reflect Issues Students Should Discuss as Identified by the Committee Problems Really Connected with Students Student Enjoyment Creative Presentations Multiple Media Techniques Used Problem-Based Learning

Problems • Choosing/Exploring a Major • Plagiarism/Academic Dishonesty • Conflict Resolution • Alcohol Abuse • Diversity

Seminar Course Evaluation

Enjoyed Most about Experience Learning community fostered study groups Meeting many different people Living with all freshmen – all going through it together Peer Mentors Enjoyed Most about Seminar Class - very relaxed setting Problem-based learning experiences – got the group going Discussions, class very interactive Professor as adviser Focus Group FindingsFYE Students and Peer Mentors

Makes us think and reflect. Has opened my eyes to consequences and actions that occur from decisions I have made. I really have responsibility and must make wise choices. Everyone learns from mistakes and problems. Excellent way of educating – linked to the real world. In researching alcohol abuse, I learned more than I knew before. Researching was easy because much was on-line. Working in groups is great – work is shared and we learn from one another. PBL(plagiarism) – looking at research and learning about consequences – learned a lot. Seminar Evaluation Journal Entries

Possible Topics Civic responsibility Cultural diversity Exploring a major Student development, stress management Academic integrity Content-based experiences Student self-selection Embedded Concepts Campus resources Study Skills: note taking, expository writing, test taking, Time management Teamwork Critical thinking/problem-solving Considerations in Designing PBL

Using Problem-Based Learning as a Tool to Enhance the Freshman Year Transition Experience

Using Problem-Based Learning as a Tool to Enhance the Freshman Year Transition Experience

Presentation Transcript

Using rubrics as a learning and teaching tool

USING PROBLEM BASED LEARNING TO ACHIEVE LIFELONG LEARNING

USING CLIL TO ENHANCE COMPETENCE – BASED LEARNING

Using the SEC as a Tool for Transition

Using Team-Based Learning to enhance language skills

USING THE ROUTINES BASED INTERVIEW AS A STAFF DEVELOPMENT TOOL

Service Learning Freshman Year Experience

Using Problem-based Learning

Freshman transition

Freshman Year Experience

Problem-Based Learning: Experience It Yourself

Using Problem Based Learning to Enhance Learning Through a STEM Initiative

Enhance The Learning Experience

Using Team-Based Learning to enhance language skills

The Freshman Year Experience

Problem-Based Learning: Experience It Yourself

Problem-Based Learning: Experience It Yourself

Problem-Based Learning: Experience It Yourself

Using Technology As A Learning Tool

Telling Stories: Using Virtual Learning Spaces to Enhance the Year Abroad Experience

Teaching the communication using problem-based learning

Problem-Based Learning: Experience It Yourself