| Tutorial on Problem-Based LearningResearch Plan |
Steps - Background - Socratic Taxonomy - Brainstorming - Research Plan - References
After completing the initial brainstorming, students meet in cooperative learning groups to plan their research strategy. An effective way to develop synergy within the classroom setting is to have individual groups of students determine which of the "learning issues" they would like to pursue. Assuming that there are multiple issues within the classroom, each group will have at least one issue to research. It is all right to have two groups independently researching the same issue and collaborating at the end to meld the best information into a reliable component.
The research plan will determine:
- The role(s) of each group member (coordinator, recorder, reporter, etc.).
- The task(s) of each group member (refine research directions, establish specialty areas, etc.).
- How students will gather information about learning issues established previously through research.
- How students will formulate and test hypotheses.
- How students will rethink and/or revamp initial ideas to reflect newfound knowledge and understanding.
Throughout the work, students will keep notes in their journals. The action plan, when completed, will lead to final preparation and execution of reporting study results.