It is also referred to as problem based learning, experiental learning and 21st century

learning.it is supported by Jean Piaget, Jerome Bruner and Seymour Papert

It says that learning is best achieve through the process of inquiry.
Advantages:
 students enjoy discovering the answer to the question or problem they are
given
 Students are generally engaged throughout the lesson
 Students feel sense of control over their own learning
Disadvantages:
 Involves a lot of presentation to result in real learning
 Must be set up so that students first use prior knowledge as they go
through the lesson
 Thoughtful questions must be created to lead students to proper
conclusion
Teacher-guided inquiry
 Teachers may wish to focus less on math computation
and more on helping students determine which pieces of
information are useful and how this information applies
to the real world.
 Teachers can develop students understanding of the
topic with guided inquiries.
 The teachers represent a reality within which
students interact.
 The teachers controls the parameter of this “world”
and uses it to achieve the desired instructional
results.
 Critical thinking involves evaluating the strength of ideas
or concepts by asking question about them
 In mathematics students use logical arguments when they
are encourage to test conjectures and justify.
 Will allow the learner to identify and clear out logical
fallacies that weaken the value of an idea.
 Is a process of generating new ideas, concepts or solutions.
 It often involves adapting existing ideas or combining them in
new ways to create a new solution.
 It plays an important role in mathematics and should
have a prominent role in the mathematics education
of K-12 students.
 It is effectively achieved by applying both critical
thinking and creative thinking to generate viable
solution and decisions.
PBL does not focus on problem solving with a defined solution, but it allows for the
development of other desirable skills and attributes.
Why use Problem based learning
Nilson(2010) list the following learning outcomes that are associated with PBL. A well
designed PBL projects provide students with the opportunity to develop skills related to:

 Working in teams
 Managing projects and holding leadership roles
 Oral and written communication
 Self awareness and evaluation of group processes
 Working independently
 Critical thinking analysis
 Explaining concepts
 Self-directed learning
 Applying course content to real world examples
 Researching and information literacy
 Problem solving across discipline.