What Is Problem-Based Learning?
A key characteristic of the Collaborative Research Model is its foundation in problem-based learning through learner-centered design.
In problem-based learning the traditional teacher and student roles have a certain fluidity that allows for students to assume increasing responsibility for their learning. As students increase their responsibility in posing and pursuing the problem, they become increasingly empowered and encouraged, not only in the project at hand, but also in terms of their pursuit of lifelong learning.
Instructors facilitating a collaborative research project then become resources for students—serving such roles as content or procedure experts, evaluators, and guides in the community of scholars. (For an example of this concept in action, see the Case Studies: Psychology Research Methods. In this course, each student team was assigned one particular week in the term during which they were responsible for facilitating key whole-group decisions and activities.)
Students engaged in learner-centered research projects that rely on authentic tasks with real audiences develop a sense of purpose and value. They find a place in a community of scholars, which results in:
- heightened learning,
- stronger presentation,
- longer retention of knowledge,
- and increased performance on future learning projects.
