This book addresses Problem-based Learning (PBL) in elementary schools
and reveals how this can promote elementary students' development in
critical thinking, creativity, communication, collaboration, and
citizenship, also known as the 5 Cs. Through teachers' interviews, the
book explores which PBL strategies promote skills and knowledge gains
when students collaboratively investigate authentic open-ended problems.
It also uncovers peer-to-peer relational learning and other strategies
used in PBL classrooms, and it examines their importance to public
education.
The book paints a lively picture of student-centered learning, drawing
upon frameworks, best practices, experiences, processes, strategies, and
research results. Firsthand accounts of best practices in PBL
instruction connect this pedagogy to theory, research, practice, and
policy. It explores teacher instruction in the early years of schooling
that purposefully fosters student-centered learning, real-world
relevance, and collaboration in accordance with capacities expected of
successful 21st century graduates. This book supports the implementation
of PBL in elementary schools and promotes increased student engagement
and achievement, as well as college and career readiness.
This book is of interest to practitioners seeking information about PBL
pedagogies for elementary grades, such as teachers, teacher mentors and
trainers, (school) leaders, and policymakers, as well as anyone
interested in pedagogic strategies that advance critical thinking,
creativity, communication, collaboration, and citizenship capacities.
