Problem Based Learning

FILA Chart
FILA Chart
• The FILA chart (Facts, Ideas, Learning Issues, Action Plan) is a
thinking tool that is used as a scaffold (structured support/guide) to
develop the thinking process of the learners.

• You use this chart to list out key facts of the problem in point-form
and their corresponding ideas, learning issues and action that needs
to be taken in relation to the facts.

• FILA chart allows the group to capture the evolution of their

thinking as new facts, corrections and revisions are made constantly
to the chart while they gather more info, gain new knowledge,
modify ideas, shape their learning issues and eventually arrive at
possible solutions to the problem. (You are expected to keep records
of the various versions of FILA chart and submit them with your
assignment report.)

TEMASEK POLYTECHNIC • SCHOOL OF INFORMATICS & IT

FILA Chart
• Important! Critical in FILA
– Mapping of the information developed in each column with the others
– Capture of the evolution of the group’s thinking as you work from
beginning to end.

• FILA chart is an excellent tool to capitalise on the capture of the

development of your reasoning and critical thinking skills.
Stage Description
1 Group setting
2 Problem Identification FACTS
This table shows 3 Idea Generation IDEAS
how the FILA
4 Learning Issues Learning Issues/
chart fits into the
Action Plan
PBL Process
5 Self-directed learning
6 Synthesis & Application
7 Reflection & feedback
TEMASEK POLYTECHNIC • SCHOOL OF INFORMATICS & IT
How to start a FILA chart for your
assignment?
Analyze the problem crafted in terms of:
FACTS What you know
IDEAS What you think you know
LEARNING ISSUES What you need to learn (knowledge learning)
ACTION PLAN What you need to find out (information seeking)

TEMASEK POLYTECHNIC • SCHOOL OF INFORMATICS & IT

Sample FILA Chart

Adapted from http://www.tp.edu.sg/centres/learning-academy/pbl#tab5

TEMASEK POLYTECHNIC • SCHOOL OF INFORMATICS & IT

What’s Next?

• Form your assignment group of 4-5 students

(Group setting – Introduce members,
establish ground rules, define roles of tutor
and students).
• Create your first version of your FILA for your
assignment problem.
• Proceed with your action plans.
• Reconvene in the next PBL session (week 2)
to discuss your findings and revise your FILA
chart.
TEMASEK POLYTECHNIC • SCHOOL OF INFORMATICS & IT