Problem-based learning is a strategy for encouraging critical thinking and problem solving skills along with content knowledge through the use of real world situations or problems. Teachers act as facilitators, providing resources, guidance, and instruction to learners as they develop content knowledge and problem-solving skills. Students assume greater responsibility for their own learning as teacher-directed instruction decreases. The teacher's role shifts from that of instructor to guide, facilitator, and fellow learner. Learning is initiated by a posed problem the learner is interested in solving.
Projects are open-ended, with many possibilities for design and development.
Students are responsible for finding information necessary to solve problems. Learning is active, integrated, cumulative, and connected. The teacher's role is supportive, not directive. Evaluations emphasize integration of knowledge.