Eclectic Technology

When you read or hear the words PBL do you think Problem-Based Learning or Project-Based Learning? This post discusses problem-based learning, and provides a historical background before discussing defining it. .The post then compares problem-based learning with project-based, inquiry-based and case-based learning before moving on to provide ten recommendations. Three are below.

* Clearly define your purpose for doing problem-based learning

* Develop ill-structured problems

* Emphasize depth over breadth

To learn more about these three recommendations and view the other seven click through to the post. You may find that problem-based learning is already being used do some degree with your learners, and this post may provide some ideas on how to move into this direction more efficiently.

Check out this infographic that provides five methods for developing problem-solving skills. Try out:

* Brainstorming with a Twist

* Word Association

* Inkblot (Rorschat Test) and this is a bit different than you might expect

* Solute vs Solution

* Gallery Walk

The names above do not do justice to the activity that you would so with your students...so click through to the post to learn more!

How do you boost your creativity? This infographic provides details on the following five steps.

* Gather the five materials

* Digest

* Don't think

* Wait for eureka

* Bring the ideas to reality

Along with these five steps there are also six tools and techniques to explore: oblique strategies, lotus blossom technique, six thinking hats,  mass brainstorming,  reverse brainstorming and limit yourself. More information on each of these is also included in the infographic.

Does group brainstorming work? This post looks at this issue, working from an infographic and selecting key concepts in the infographic and expanding on them. Gleeson begins by discussing "the five biggest problems with Groupthink." The list is below and all are explained in the post. Please note that there the author of the infographic also explains their perception of what each of the phrases below means.

* Social Loafing

* Social Matching

* Production Blocking

* Lack of Attention

* Fear of Criticism or Rejection

Gleeson then provides a list of tips for effective brainstorming (again, this are listed in the infographic with definitions provided). The areas explored here are:

* Independently prepare

* Set a goal

* Have meeting facilitators

* Avoid criticism

* Encourage competition

* Try collaborative apps

In education we often ask our learners to brainstorm. This article and infographic provide some insights that you may not have considered in the past. To go directly to the infographic (in which case you will not see the post by Gleeson)

 https://www.mavenlink.com/community/blogs/713-are-we-brainstorming-the-wrong-way--. 

There are also a number of free collaborative tools that support brainstorming. One of the more robust tools that is free to schools is LucidChart.