Problem-Based Learning Community

About the Community

The Center for the Advancement of Teaching invites proposals from interdisciplinary groups of faculty and students to establish a problem-based learning community.

Problem-based learning (PBL) has been defined as "... an instructional method that challenges students to develop the ability to think critically, analyze problems, and find and use appropriate learning resources. In fact, PBL is a pathway to better learning, helping students to learn how to learn."

The problem-based learning community (PBLC) is a two-year project funded under the Center's Communities Initiative with support from a grant from The Bush and William & Flora Hewlett foundations.

Ideally, a community comprises at least two faculty members and at least two students. If your community does not match the "ideal community" described above, please contact Todd Stanislav at ext. 7692 or send an e-mail.

During the two-year period, PBLC will participate in the following activities:

• Two faculty members and at least one student (preferably two) involved in the PBLC will attend a PBL conference, workshop, or symposium.
• During Summer 2003 and while the ideas presented at the conference, workshop, or symposium are still fresh, the PBLC will draft a general plan for its activities during the 2003-2004 academic year.

Design

• During Fall 2003, the PBLC will develop a detailed plan for using and assessing PBL in each faculty member's spring 2004 course(s)

Implementation

• During Spring 2004, the plan will be implemented

Dissemination

• During the 2003-2004 academic year, the PBLC will lead two half-day or one full-day PBL workshop for Xavier faculty members

Design

• In early summer 2004, the results of the year's activities will be presented in a written report. The report will also include an improved plan for using and assessing PBL in each faculty member's course(s) during the 2004-2005 academic year.

Implementation

• During the 2004-2005 academic year, the improved plan will be implemented

Dissemination

• During the 2004-2005 academic year, the PBLC will once again lead two half-day or one full-day PBL workshop for Xavier faculty members
• A final report will be prepared in early summer 2005.

Support

The PBLC will receive the following support:

• Travel expenses for two faculty members and two students to attend a PBL conference, workshop, or symposium.
• Summer 2003 and 2004 stipends [$500 (faculty) and $250 (student)]
• Academic year support (faculty 25% release time in Fall 2003 or Spring 2004, or $600 stipends per semester; student stipends of $250 per semester)
• Assistance in planning and organizing the PBL workshops

Proposal Guidelines

Interested communities of faculty and students should submit a one-page letter of interest to the Center; please send a copy to your department chair as well. The letter should list the names of the faculty and students involved in the community and provide a sense of the community's vision for the impact a PBLC could have on teaching and learning, and institutional culture. An excerpt from the letter may be used to announce awardees and to describe their projects.

If release time is requested, you must include a written statement of support from your department chair.

Members of the University Faculty Development Committee will review applications on a competitive basis. The review is not a blind review.

If you have any questions, contact Todd Stanislav at ext. 7692 or send an e-mail.

Deadline: January 17, 2003
Applicants will receive notification of the results in mid-February 2003.
A part of the October 2002 RFP Multipack.