Next identify the basic facts and concepts you wish students to uncover as they solve their problem. Third, create a problem that not only focuses students on the large problem but also takes them through the objectives. Finally, make sure resources are available for students to reference during their problem analysis and solution. A final variable to consider when creating or choosing your a problem is its complexity. Because life outside the classroom is filled with complex problems, it makes sense to mimic similar condtions in the classroom.
Complex problems offer many advantages over simple problems.
Having multiple correct answers that approach the problem from various perspectives and solutions can springboard to class discussions that stimulate student higher level thinking. This differentiation can help serve as a grading standards in the class. The application of problem-based learning to distance education. Paper presented at the world conference of the International Council for Distance Education, Bangkok, Thailand.