Problem based exercise

Setting up group
Set up a group of 6-8 students. This group will be kept for all problem-based exercises
throughout the semester
Define problem to work on
This course intends to solve 1 problem for each theme. There are about 4 to 8 themes covered by
this course. The first two problems will be defined by instructor. For the remaining problems,
each group can contribute in set up the problems and deposit to the problem bank (PB).
Instructor will approve the problems in the PB according to each theme. Each group then can
select the problem to work on.
Working with the problem
There are 5 steps to addressing the problems:

Step 1: Unpack the Problem & Plan

The group reads the problem together and starts to unpack its components, in an open and
inclusive brainstorming process that is guided by the following questions:

 What information are we given? What do we know?

 What information is missing? What don’t we know?
 What is the problem we need to address and/or resolve?
 What do we need to find out, in order to fully understand the problem and move
forward?
 Who are we in this scenario? What stakeholder role(s) might we play? 
 Do any of us have relevant experience or knowledge?

Notice that none of these questions ask for recommendations or resolutions. They are not of
concern at this point. Instead, a range of perspectives and ideas should be expressed and
recorded. From these, objectives are determined, prioritized and divided among group members.
Everyone is given a task to complete, which usually involves research.
Time frame: For the first problem, this step 1 may take more than 1 hour. By the third problem,
the group can often complete it in 30 minutes.

Timelines: final class presentation (step 4) will be 2 weeks after the problem assigned date. The
group determines its own schedule for steps 2-3.

Step 2:  Investigate

This is generally an independent activity. Each student is responsible to the group for
investigating a topic area, as determined in step 1. This can involve, for example, studying online
or hardcopy resources, surveying or interviewing stakeholders, seeking information from
experts, and/or observing a particular phenomenon. An informal but comprehensive report is
prepared from this investigation, which is shared and discussed with the group in step 3. These
reports are graded (see grading below). Submission will be done using Blackboard/Groups and
Users/Group

Time frame: 1 week.

Step 3: Share & Resolve

The group reconvenes at your designated time. Students share their investigation report with the
group, essentially teaching their peers what they have learned. They may also choose to circulate
their written report. The group then discusses how this new knowledge informs the problem or
fails to, as is sometimes the case despite best efforts. It is not unusual to have misdirects or to
generate more questions than answers.

Once all reports have been discussed, the group revisits the questions in step 1, but with more
knowledge and insight. The problem might now be ready to address, or the group may need to
identify new objectives and assign new tasks for another round of investigation and sharing
(steps 2 and 3). Timelines become tight when further investigation is required. But this is an
important part of the process and should be accommodated. 

Because step 3 is collaborative, analytical and the heart of the learning process, it can take up to
2 hours and should not be rushed.

Step 4: Report

A final report is prepared by the group that fully addresses the problem, makes recommendations
and/or outlines solutions, and provides supporting and properly cited evidence from their
research. These reports are presented to the entire class, followed by an opportunity for questions
from classmates. I assign a group grade for the report and presentation (see grading below).

Step 5:  Debrief

In this final step, the group collectively reflects on the efficacy of their process, how they each
did with their individual tasks, and what they might change for the next problem. This is also an
opportunity to celebrate the completion of the problem. Some groups choose to meet at a coffee
shop or a pub. After the debriefing session and based on the discussion, students evaluate
themselves and their peers (see grading below).

Grading

Each problem is graded out of 60 scores, using the following rubric