TMS3723
ASSIGNMENT 5 2024
UNIQUE NO.
DUE DATE:9 SEPTEMBER 2024
, TMS3723
Assignment 5 2024
Due Date: 9 September 2024
Teaching Life Sciences in Further Education and Training
1. Problem-Based Learning (PBL): Encouraging Critical and Creative Thinking,
and Developing Teamwork and Communication Skills (20 marks)
Problem-Based Learning (PBL) is an educational approach that places students in the
driver's seat by presenting them with real-life problems to solve. When students engage
with these problems, they are not just passively receiving information; instead, they
must critically evaluate the situation, consider different perspectives, and come up with
solutions. This encourages critical thinking because students have to analyze the
problem, break it down into smaller parts, and figure out what they need to learn to
address the issue. They learn to question assumptions and evaluate evidence, which
are key components of critical thinking.
On the other hand, PBL fosters creativity by allowing students to think outside the box.
Since the problems are often open-ended, there is no single correct answer. This
freedom pushes students to explore multiple solutions, use their imagination, and come
up with innovative ideas. They might develop new approaches or combine existing
ideas in novel ways, which nurtures their creative abilities.
Additionally, PBL naturally requires teamwork and communication. As students work in
groups, they must collaborate to share ideas, divide tasks, and ensure everyone
contributes. This teamwork builds communication skills as they must articulate their
thoughts clearly, listen to others, and negotiate solutions. They also learn to value
different viewpoints and work towards a common goal, which is crucial in both academic
and real-world settings.